Study Suggests Western ND Oil Pipeline To Canada

DALE WETZEL

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A new study says building a pipeline from northwestern North Dakota to TransCanada Corp.'s new Keystone pipeline in southern Saskatchewan would be the most efficient way to move the region's oil production.

North Dakota officials intend to pitch the $199 million project next week at a regional oil conference in Regina, Saskatchewan, that is expected to draw more than 900 industry officials, said Lynn Helms, director of the state Department of Mineral Resources.

Justin Kringstad, director of the state Pipeline Authority, is scheduled to outline the study's conclusions at the conference Monday. Kringstad and Helms said its data will be used to attempt to interest private pipeline companies in the project.

Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said the study has been widely anticipated. "It is something that everybody's been asking questions about, the access to the Keystone pipeline," he said. "Is it feasible? What would it cost? What are the ramifications?"

"There are other proposals being considered by operators and pipelines as well," Ness said. "I think this is just one more piece of the puzzle."