The News Virginian
by Bob Stuart

FISHERSVILLE, Va. — Contractors, suppliers, trade specialists and other workers came to Augusta Expo Thursday to put their name into the hat for potential work on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The information and jobs fair drew more than 200 people, many of whom lined up outside hours before the start of the event.

The 600-mile natural gas pipeline is now under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. FERC is expected to issue a draft environmental impact statement on the project later this month.

Although the start of construction is still almost a year away, at the earliest, Aaron Ruby, a spokesman for Dominion Resources, said it is important to find subcontractors, vendors and laborers now. Dominion Resources is  the lead utility on the pipeline. 

Among those offering information Thursday about jobs and contract work was Spring Ridge Constructors, the lead construction contractor for the pipeline.

Construction on the $5 billion pipeline could start as soon as the fall of 2017. The project route, which includes a 55-mile portion of Augusta County, will stretch from West Virginia through Virginia to North Carolina.

By noon Thursday, 157 people had signed up at Augusta Expo to be considered for pipeline work. They included electrical workers, mechanics, welding supply companies, fencing specialists and others.

Ruby said similar events were held in West Virginia earlier in the week and two more are set for Emporia and Chesapeake next week.

"There are thousands of jobs and opportunities for skilled workers,'' Ruby said. At the peak of construction in 2018, Ruby said an estimated 7,200 workers would be employed building the project.

Scott Bazzarre, the founder and president of Budget Electrical & Mechanical in Palmyra, wants to be considered for electrical work on the pipeline.

He calls the pipeline a boon for workers like him and for the economy.

"It's a no-brainer, not just for the tax base but for a struggling economy,'' Bazzarre said.

Bazzarre said his 20-month-old electrical business has done work on small commercial projects, including storefronts and nursing homes.

"This is enormous and mind-boggling,'' he said of the scope of the pipeline. Bazzarre said it is distressing to see a general slowdown in major construction in the U.S. now. He said young people need a reason to get job training for projects like the pipeline.

"We have to have good-paying jobs for my kids and grandkids. What's the point of an apprenticeship if there are no jobs,'' he said.

Harrison Powell of Churchville works with his father as a self-employed mechanic. He came to Augusta Expo Thursday to apply for work on the heavy equipment that will be used on the pipeline.

"There is a lot of opportunity," said Powell, adding that he would commit to spending several months working on the pipeline. 

Potential pipeline suppliers were also present. Walt Adams of Rockingham County is an outside sales representative for Arc3 Gases, a welding supply and gas business.

Adams said the company has already worked on pipelines with Columbia Gas. He said Arc3 would "make a competitive bid'' to be involved in the pipeline.

Beyond the actual pipeline construction, inspectors will be required to manage construction compliance and safety.

Bazzarre said the engineering and construction over mountain ranges on the pipeline is formidable. But he is confident of Dominion's leadership on the project.

"If you were to pick one business to do it, it would be Dominion,'' he said.

Opponents of the pipeline, including environmentalists and many people who own land through which the pipeline would be laid, hope the project never gets off the ground, or at least is re-routed. With the powerful forces aligned in support of the pipeline, however, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe and other state leaders, not to mention the incoming administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, that's looking increasingly unlikely. 

Opponents say the pipeline poses a threat, in the form of leaks and the risk of fire and explosions, to those living near it, local wildlife and nearby water supplies. 

Supporters say the conduit is crucial to be able to supply a consistent amount of natural gas to energy-hungry Mid-Atlantic markets. The pipeline, they say, will do that for decades to come. 

Read the full story in The News Virginian