(NORFOLK, NE) Construction is underway in northeast Nebraska on TransCanada's 2,100-mile Keystone Pipeline. The project will boost Norfolk's and the nation's economies.

Every part of the Keystone Pipeline project is big, from its capacity - 500,000 barrels a day - to its cost.

"Overall this project has a price tag of $5.2 billion. So it's an expensive project. But it's also a valuable project," says Jeff Rauh, Keystone Pipeline Spokesperson.

Not only for the nation, but for each city along the pipeline's route.
         
"[The economic impact] will be in excess of $10 million over the next 5 months," says Dennis Houston, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce President.

Up to 750 pipeline workers will call Norfolk home during the project.

"The pipeline project, for the next 5 months while they're in town, they will be our third largest employer," says Houston.

The city created a pipeline partnership program, offering deals and discounts to workers and their families, giving those struggling for sales a welcome boost in business.

"Many businesses are saying that their sales in retail are actually up 15% and in today's economy, most businesses can't say that," says Houston.

It's the culmination of years of planning and coordination by TransCanada with communities along the right of way and the pipeline workers.

"These crews cover a mile and a half to two miles a day in their construction work so moving pipe into place, ensuring material is ready, ensuring that the right of way is prepared for the work really becomes a tremendous challenge," explains Rauh.

A challenge Norfolk prepared for to pave the way for its future.
      
"If nothing else, we're not worried when they leave but, we're excited that hey, we're ready to take on new projects when they come up down the road," says Houston.

TransCanada expects to start filling the pipeline this year. Construction on the next leg to Cushing, Oklahoma will begin in 2010.

For more on TransCanada's Keystone Pipeline, go to: http://www.transcanada.com/keystone/.

To connect with the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, go to: http://www.norfolk.ne.us/.

Reported by Erika Thomas. You can contact her at ethomas@kmeg.com.