Permits approved on Monday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allow Enbridge Inc. to keep alive a plan to start construction by the end of the year on the $2.6 billion Minnesota leg of its Line 3 oil pipeline replacement program.

Enbridge

The 340-mile pipeline segment has been inching closer to construction for a few weeks. 

“Our decision is based on sound science and strikes the balance between protecting natural resources and allowing reasonable development,” said Army Corps’ Karl Jansen, district commander in St. Paul, MN.

Enbridge Vice President Leo Golden said the project “now moves closer to the start of construction, hopefully before the end of the year. Final state permits and authorizations are still needed before work can begin.”

Federal approval arrived...