MDU Resources Group Inc. has taken a positive final investment decision (FID) for subsidiary WBI Energy to construct its proposed Bakken East pipeline project. The project investment is estimated at $2.7-3.2 billion.

The decision to proceed is based on secured customer commitments and the anticipated strategic and economic benefits for North Dakota and the broader region, the company said in a release Sept. 30.

The natural gas pipeline, which is expected to run 350 miles from the Bakken region in western North Dakota to a location near Fargo in the eastern part of the state—is being designed with initial capacity of 1.4 bcfd with the flexibility to accommodate anticipated future growth.

Construction is expected to occur over construction seasons in 2028–2030, with the line placed in service in two phases. The first phase, from the Bakken to central North Dakota, is expected to be complete in late 2029. The second phase, to an existing WBI Energy compressor station near Mapleton, ND, has a target completion date of late 2030.

When completed, the project will include additions and modifications at three existing WBI Energy compressor stations and the construction of four new compressor stations, the company said.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission voted in August 2025 to support the project with a firm capacity commitment of $50 million/year for 10 years.

The company said it is evaluating debt and equity financing structures to fund the project, including potential partnership agreements.