State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Line 5 tunnel project. The statement found the tunnel would have a “beneficial cumulative effect” on reducing the risk of an oil spill beneath the Straits of Mackinac:

“This report by the Army Corps sends another clear message that the Line 5 tunnel project is the safest and most efficient way to supply fuel to Michigan and the broader Midwest. Experts continue to prove that claims of massive environmental risk simply aren’t based in reality.

“If Line 5 were to shut down, Northern Michigan would be devastated. Schools would close, people would lose their jobs, and local governments would lose a huge chunk of their tax base. Enbridge is the largest taxpayer in Cheboygan County. I have no idea what they would do if that money just wasn’t there anymore.

“Thanks to a much-needed push in the right direction by President Trump, the Army Corps expedited their review process and released this thorough report. I hope the rest of their review moves this quickly so construction on this critical project can begin as soon as possible.”

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