Line 5 Wisconsin clearing work: ‘It’s good to be home’

Jim, a superintendent with Enbridge contractor Native North, is leading right-of-way clearing efforts along the Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project. He’s lived in northern Wisconsin since the age of 3, and knows the benefits that a project like this bring to small communities. “It’s good to be home. We are tickled to be working right now. When a project of this magnitude comes to a community, everybody benefits,” he says. “And it’s appreciated . . . I know all these local business owners are ecstatic that it’s finally happening. Very happy that we’re here, very excited to see us.” Joel, a laborer steward with LiUNA Local 1091, is among a crew of 45 out on the right-of-way. “The job is about respecting one another. It’s about respecting landowners, respecting culture. I’m glad I’m out here because I get to be part of it.”