Kinder Morgan’s halt on non-essential projects announced yesterday, has put a $7 million Port Alberni project on hold.
In reaction to the BC Government’s opposition to their pipeline expansion project, the development of a oil spill response centre on Port Alberni Port Authority property is now in doubt, even after the company has already sunk tens of thousands of dollars into refurbishing the water street dock.
Port Authority CEO Zoran Knezevich says the fight between BC and Kinder Morgan could affect other major projects as it makes foreign investors nervous.
Knezevich says Port Alberni stood to gain 22 new jobs with the oil spill response station as well as money for the local marine industries.
Knezevich says oil tankers are guided in and out of Canadian waters by local ship pilots and multiple tug boats, keeping tankers away from any hazards in the area.
The Western Canada Marine Response Corporation had been contracted by Kinder Morgan to build 5 oil response centers throughout Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast in order to gain project approval from the federal government
As well as building a large warehouse on Port property, they were going to build a marina for up to 12 specialized vessels, and use local fuel docks and marine repair services.