Halifax County commissioners have thrown their support behind the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a project that will open up new sources of natural gas.

The board this evening unanimously supported a resolution that backs the project being planned for construction by Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress.

Approval of the resolution centered on the perceived economic impact of the project.

“I've been interested in this thing,” said Commissioner Rives Manning. “The economic development benefits probably justify supporting this. I'm not saying I'm 100 percent in favor, but if it is opened it's for the betterment of the state, county and region.”

Manning told Dominion Senior Policy Advisor Bruce McKay he was concerned initial plans did not include taps in Halifax County and believes the company should provide them.

“It's too early to know where the taps will be,” McKay said. “We will have economic development staff talk with potential customers.”

The resolution says the 550-mile pipeline will help the power companies reduce air emissions in the coming decades and replace coal-powered plants.

The document also says the pipeline is expected to mitigate price increases of consumer and business power bills by increasing accessibility to to natural gas supplies.

“The pipeline's new supply of natural gas will serve as a powerful engine to drive economic development and job growth by helping eight North Carolina counties attract energy-dependent businesses and industries, many of which now are not able to locate in eastern North Carolina and … will generate new tax revenues for local governments.”

McKay said the pipeline will represent around $630,000 a year to Halifax County and about a $1 million to Northampton where a compressor station will be located.