The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has announced that Thunder Butte Petroleum Services Inc., a wholly owned MHA Nation subsidiary, will purchase the Plaza/Wabek Pipeline from Enbridge for $5 million.

The agreement will begin the process of connecting MHA operations with the Enbridge pipeline network. opening the door for it to become the first tribal shipper on the Enbridge system.

“It’s another major step and positive investment that will further support development of our energy trust assets for the MHA Nation and its membership,” said MHA Chairman Mark Fox. “This will also be a significant catalyst for enhancing economic development in our region of influence.”

The Plaza/Wabek Pipeline is a six-inch-diameter oil pipeline traveling 31 miles from a gathering system in the Plaza/Wabek fields to Enbridge’s Terminal near Stanley. The line has a capacity of 15,000 barrels per day.

“The Enbridge purchase is a positive step to providing Thunder Butte Petroleum Services an asset that will lead to economic self-sufficiency, and a future revenue source for the MHA Nation,” said Bernie Fox, CEO of Thunder Butte Petroleum.

Enbridge officials said they are committed to early engagement and meaningful dialogue with indigenous peoples along its pipeline rights-of-way, based on respect, trust and appreciation for their connection to the natural world.

Royalties from oil and gas development on the Fort Berthold Reservation are managed and dispersed for the benefit of the people of the MHA Nation under the direction of its Tribal Business Council.

“We’re excited about the announcement because MHA Nation is quickly moving towards becoming the first tribal shipper on our system," said Mike Koby, Enbridge VP of U.S. Liquids Pipelines Operations. "This is a major step towards connecting MHA Nation to new markets and industry partnerships.”

Enbridge operates the world’s longest and most complex liquids transportation system, with about 17,800 miles of active pipe across North America, and delivers more than 3 million barrels a day via its Mainline and Express networks.