MACON, MO -- A big Midwestern project is coming through the Heartland.
 
Enbridge Incorporated is proposing to expand its existing pipeline system with its affiliate, Enbridge Pipelines, to construct nearly 600 miles of crude oil pipeline in the Flanagan South Pipeline Project.

Three miles of this system include the southeastern part of Macon County.

County officials are hoping this will bring an economic boost to the area.

"Most of our benefit will come from an economic impact of having a large number of construction workers come through the area. They'll be spending money on eating out, staying overnight, buying groceries, whatever they might need here in our area," said Macon County Commissioner Alan Wyatt.

Despite the short term positive economic impact, the pipeline system will not bring in any tax revenue to Macon County.

"The mileage being short in Macon County is not going to be a big deal with our taxes. It will be a big deal economy wise for the construction crews. Macon is going to be central between Shelby and Randolph counties. The fact we are on the intersection of 36 and 63, crews traveling will be coming through Macon," Wyatt said.

The pipeline system will begin in Flanagan, Illinois and end in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Construction on the pipeline project is set to take place mid-next year.