ST. IGNACE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Enbridge Energy said it is moving forward with its Line 5 tunnel project and is currently pursuing permits needed to shore up its investment.

“Enbridge is actively pursuing state and federal regulatory permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), and the Michigan Public Service Commission,” Enbridge Energy spokesperson Ryan Duffy told Michigan News Source.

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To date, the Canadian-based energy company has already spent $100 million on the tunnel project, which has an estimated $500 million total price tag. The plan is to build a tunnel under the lakebed which will house Line 5. It carries propane and energy to much of the U.P. and a significant portion of the Lower Peninsula.

Enbridge Energy faces continued pushback from environment groups as well as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel. Both have filed lawsuits to shut down Line 5.

Crews completed construction of Line 5 in 1953. In 2018, an anchor strike from a tugboat damaged Line 5 and nearby electric cables along the lake bottom which caused 600 gallons of dielectric fluid to spill.

“Safety will be our highest priority at every stage of building the Great Lakes Tunnel,” Duffy said. “We are partnering with world-class firms on the project and it will be built to stand the test of time.”