One thing is certain: with Dominion Energy citing the project could create over 17,000 new jobs, residents of WV, Virginia, & North Carolina are hopeful.

 The Atlantic Coast Pipeline has seen ups and downs in recent weeks.

On the one hand, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted full use and improvements of two access roads in the state earlier this week. On the other, Environmental advocates asked a federal court Tuesday to review a federal permit for the 600-mile Pipeline, arguing the pipeline developer has admitted it cannot cross parts of the Greenbrier, West Fork and Buckhannon rivers in the 72-hour time frame mandated by the permit.

One thing is certain: with Dominion Energy citing the project could create over 17,000 new jobs, residents of WV, Virginia, & North Carolina are hopeful.

In addition to the pipe-laying & construction jobs, there are plenty of positions throughout other industries in the area, according to Harrison County Commission President Ron Watson.

As interviewed in VWnews.com, Watson went on to say that “All you have to do is check out the hotels. I mean, they’re packed with people who are gainfully employed not only with that pipeline, but with the other pipeline services. The same way with the food vendors, restaurants and so on,” he said. “It can’t go on forever, but we take advantage of it while we’ve got it, and hopefully, something will replace that impact when it’s gone.”

Once completed, the 600-mile, 42-inch ACP pipeline will bring natural gas from West Virginia through Virginia to North Carolina. The ACP is being jointly developed by Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas and Southern Company Gas.

“The construction of the Atlantic Pipeline through the state of West Virginia is a tremendous boom economically both for our county, as well as our region,” said state Sen. Mike Romano, D-Harrison.

She went on to say that construction jobs by nature are temporary, but the workers are gaining skills and experience that will be valuable even when pipeline construction is complete.

Trades like welding, she said, are valuable for more than just pipeline construction.

Those looking for Dominion Energy jobs in West Virginia can view available positions on their website here

img: Dominion Energy