Submitted Photo Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and Enbridge officials sign tribally owned Thunder Butte Petroleum Services, Inc., acquisition of the Plaza/Wabek Pipeline from Enbridge. From left to right, shown in this photo by Logan J. Davis, are, seated front, MHA Nation Tribal Chairman Mark Fox and Enbridge U.S. Liquids Operations Vice President Michael Coby; and back, North Segment Councilwoman Monica Mayer, M.D., Four Bears Segment Councilman Robert White Sr., Thunder Butte Petroleum Services CEO Bernie Fox and White Shield Councilman Fred Fox.

NEW TOWN — The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has entered into a new era of energy production.

With the ceremonial signing that took place in front of what is going to be the new MHA Capital Building, west of New Town, Chairman Mark Fox and other tribal leaders hosted a ceremonial signing on Friday for the acquisition of the Plaza/Wabek Pipeline from Enbridge Pipelines, Inc.

The purchase of the pipeline was by Thunder Butte Petroleum Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the MHA Nation. With the new pipeline purchase, it will allow Thunder Butte to access crucial crude markets across North America.

MHA Nation is set to become the first tribal shipper on Enbridge’s liquid pipelines system. The pipeline now owned by Thunder Butte Petroleum will support MHA’s crude oil storage and truck terminal facilities while being connected to the Enbridge system.

Fox stated that the purchase and partnership with Enbridge is a major step forward for the MHA Nation in future economic development and stability.

“We’re going create an avenue, a means of transmission to move our very valuable assets and resources to the marketplace. It’s critical to have that in place. That’s a big part of what we are doing. What is more appropriate than to be able to stand here in front of you with the background of what we are calling our new MHA Capitol? It’s another major step, positive investment that will further support development of our energy trust assets for MHA Nation and its membership,” Fox said.

Councilman Robert White noted that the purchase is part of what he views as working for the future generations of the MHA Nation.

“This is what I do in support of our tribal leadership and for our people. This purchase and new partnership are for our long-term generational wealth. Not for us, but our kids and our grandkids,” said White.

Bernie Fox, CEO of Thunder Butte Petroleum Services, was one of the signers of the purchase agreement along with Fox and Michael Koby, vice president of Enbridge U.S Liquid Pipelines Operations.

Koby emphasized the importance of the partnership that will benefit the MHA Nation and Enbridge.

“We’re excited about today’s announcement because MHA Nation is quickly moving towards becoming the first tribal shipper on our system,” Koby said. “This is a major step in connecting MHA Nation to new markets and industry partnership.”

“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. We look forward to a positive relationship with our new partner, Enbridge,” added Thunder Butte CEO Fox.

The Plaza/Wabek Pipeline is a crude pipeline that stretches 31 miles from a gathering system in the Plaza/Wabek fields into Enbridge’s Stanley terminal. The line currently has the capacity to transport 15,000 barrels a day.