Community forum about pipeline

A community forum regarding a 210-mile, two-state pipeline drew nearly 70 people to Three Rivers Wednesday.

Officials from Calgary-based Enbridge put on the three-hour informational session to answer questions and provide information about the so-called 6B Replacement Project. About 14 miles of the pipeline  starting near Gary, Ind., and ending near Port Huron  will traverse St. Joseph County.

According to a map provided by Enbridge officials, the west-to-east line would cross the northwest corner of Fabius Township, a small section in the southeast portion of Flowerfield Township, all of Park Township and most of Mendon Township.

The steel pipeline would lay adjacent to a 43-year-old line already in place. Enbridge officials said the cost of the new pipeline in Michigan alone is about $1.3 billion.

A five-mile stretch is to be laid out in Mendon Township this year while the balance of the route will be in place by the end of 2013.