Holub pushes challenge of pipeline tax break
Managing editor
Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub is not going to give up seeking reversal of a legislative decision that would exempt Keystone Pipeline from paying property taxes.
Holub contacted a Wichita television station and set up an interview Thursday to discuss his concerns.
In 2006 the Legislature passed a bill that would exempt the Canadian company from paying taxes on hundreds of miles of pipeline to run through Kansas — 36 of those miles through Marion County.
“We didn’t know anything about it,” Holub said.
The exemption was tacked on to another bill and passed in the 11th hour.
At the time legislators believed the company would qualify by using the pipeline to transport product to Kansas refineries. However, the oil that will be transported is a different type.
“The company doesn’t meet the requirements,” Holub said.
He said the county does not have any problems with Keystone Pipeline or Sheehan Construction, the general contractor for the project in Marion County.
The pipeline company has until Dec. 31 to file a request for the exemption.
The pipeline will travel through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas to Cushing, Okla. No other state has given any tax breaks to the company.
Kansas’ exemption will end 10 years from the completion of the pipeline.
Last modified July 21, 2010