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Last Tuesday September 27, I attended a public meeting at the Dawson Community College. The Department of the State is conducting meetings over a six state area to gather public comment about the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. The project as proposed , will be 1700 miles long and run from Canada to the Gulf Coast. It is estimated to cost $7 billion dollars. Included in the construction will be an “On-Ramp” in Baker, Montana which will allow up to 100,000 barrels a day of Montana crude oil to be transported to refineries in the south. In addition to jobs, this project will begin to provide the much needed infrastructure necessary for Montana to fully develop our resources and help our nation to achieve less reliance on foreign oil. All of this will be achieved with NO TAX DOLLARS. 100 % of the funding for this project is provided by the private sector.

     With roughly 400 citizens in attendance, it was clear that 90% (by my estimates) were extremely supportive of the project. Congressman Denny Rehberg took time to attend the meeting and started off the comments with a clear message of support. He recognized the employment potential now, and in the future and the value to Montana and the nation by developing our resources and those of our allies to the north. Noticeably absent were both Senators Tester and Baucus. And while both sent representatives with written statements, Senator Testor actually sent two letters leaving most attendee’s confused as to whether he supported or opposed the project.

      There were opposing opinions given, however, everyone was courteous and civil and the evening proceeded without incident. The project has broad support and was attended by citizens and elected officials from as far away as South Dakota. In addition to myself, several more Montana legislators spoke including State Senator John Brenden (R) from Scobey and State Senator Jim Keane (D) from Butte reflecting the overwhelming bi-partisan support from Montana legislators. It was great to see ranchers and labor unions, storeowners and businessmen all working together to send a clear message to Washington. We know how to solve our dependence on foreign oil and high unemployment rates. Just get out of our way! The Department will accept comments through midnight on October 9, 2011. Please show support for this important project by mailing your comments to : Alexander Yuan Keystone XL Project NID P.O. Box 96503-98500 Washington, D.C.  20090-6503 or email your comments to keystonexl-nid@cardno.com.

              Representative Matt Rosendale HD 38 Glendive-Wibaux