|
Bismarck -- The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) today named Mark J. Makelky as North Dakota Pipeline Authority Director. The North Dakota Pipeline Authority was established by the North Dakota Legislature earlier this year to diversify and expand the North Dakota economy by facilitating development of pipeline facilities as they relate to energy-related commodities. The North Dakota Pipeline Authority is governed by the North Dakota Industrial Commission.
"We are pleased to have an individual with Mark’s background to carry out the work of the Pipeline Authority," said NDIC members – Governor John Hoeven, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson—in a joint statement. "The infrastructure needs of our energy commodities continue to increase and unless those needs are met the development of our vast natural and renewable energy resources will be limited."
Mr. Makelky, 53, was raised in Minot. He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1975. He was employed for over thirty years with MDU Resources Group, a natural resource and energy corporation. During most of his time with the MDU Resources Group he was involved in the design, construction, and operation of natural gas production and pipeline facilities. In 2003, he served as the Project Manager on the Grassland Pipeline, a 250-mile 16" diameter high pressure natural gas pipeline that ran from Gillette, Wyoming to Killdeer, North Dakota. Mr. Makelky is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He and his wife Joanne live in Bismarck, ND. They have two grown daughters.
Industrial Commission Executive Director, Karlene Fine, indicated that Mr. Makelky’s responsibilities will primarily be focused in the immediate future on:
- Meeting with agencies and companies to identify areas where the Pipeline Authority can assist in developing infrastructure for natural gas, crude oil, CO
2, refined products and renewable energy commodities that utilize pipelines as their mode of transportation; - Gathering information for and facilitating meetings between energy companies and agencies to resolve infrastructure barriers that impede the production, transportation and utilization of North Dakota energy-related commodities; and
- Developing a plan of action for each area and identifying opportunities for the Pipeline Authority to assist with meeting the needs of companies producing energy-related commodities.
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Governor John Hoeven, as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, oversees the North Dakota Pipeline Authority. Funding for the Pipeline Authority comes from the Oil and Gas Research Fund.
|
