L-45 BM-ST Danny Watson, left, speaks in support of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project on January 30 at the Virginia State Capitol. Photo courtesy of Daniel Duncan, AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department
New pipeline could employ Boilermakers on gas-fired units, compression stations
BOILERMAKERS AND OTHER union members from Virginia’s building and construction trades gathered at the Virginia State Capitol on January 30 to advocate for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Danny Watson, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer for Local 45 (Richmond, Virginia) spoke at the rally. He said they were also there to show support for Governor Terry McAuliffe, who backed the project in spite of opposition from environmental activists.
Watson estimates that up to 40 Boilermakers could find work building three gas-fired units for the ACP. In addition, maintenance of the three compression stations planned along the route will create ongoing jobs for Boilermakers.
“That work is critical to our members, our families, and our communities,” said Watson. “And once the ACP is built, it will lead to economic development and new projects that will keep creating more opportunities for good-paying work.”
The proposed ACP is a 600-mile, natural gas transmission pipeline that would run through Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. According to Atlantic’s website, the project is estimated to generate $2.7 billion in total economic activity. The pipeline is on schedule to start construction in the fall.
“We train for many years to develop the skills necessary to build massive projects such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, but seldom do we get the chance to be involved on a large project that will directly benefit the community around us,” said Watson.
