A US Senator who could play a big role in the future of the Keystone XL Pipeline was in the province yesterday for a meeting with the Premier.

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven is one of 45 sponsors behind a new bill to bring back the Keystone XL Pipeline after President Barack Obama turned it down.

In a meeting that focused on flood prevention on the Souris River, Premier Brad Wall took time to thank the senator for his support of the pipeline.

 “We very much appreciate your leadership in the US Senate on a bill you have proposed to get that very important piece of infrastructure,” said Wall.

Hoeven said the project is an important step towards self- sufficiency to supply more than 80 percent of crude oil between Canada and the US.

“This is a project that just makes great sense. It is an incredible opportunity for both our countries and any way you look at it on the merits, we need to do this and we will do it,” Hoeven said.

He pointed out the many benefits of the project from an economic and job-creation perspective and for national security to cut off reliance on the Middle East.

Edited by News Talk Radio’s Adriana Christianson