The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved an agreement Tuesday committing up to $500 million over 10 years to help back WBI Energy’s planned Bakken East natural gas pipeline.
The deal is meant to help move more Bakken gas into central and eastern North Dakota by having the state buy a share of the line’s transport capacity rather than directly pay to build it. The project would move about 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day from McKenzie County to the eastern half of the state.
WBI says the line would run about 420 miles from the Watford City area to near Mapleton, and the company expects it could be in service by the end of 2030.
State officials say the full $500 million may not be needed if more private customers sign on.
The project still needs federal approval, and FERC says it is now in the pre-filing environmental review process.
The North Dakota Monitor has an in-depth story on the commitment HERE.
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