For many communities and small businesses along the Mariner East footprint, Energy Transfer’s investment is far more than just a pipeline — it’s a lifeline.

Mary Fulton, owner of Birchview Campground in Coatesville, has seen an uptick in business every year since Energy Transfer began construction of the Mariner East pipeline project in 2016. She’s even been able to expand on her 72 acres and, by mid-2019, the campground was at maximum capacity.

“Pipeliners have been good to us,” she said. “Families come and spend the summer. They establish a community feel.”

As a Downingtown resident with children in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Downingtown Area School District, Fulton has been immersed in all angles of the pipeline debate. She fully appreciates the benefits.

“Construction is a disturbance,” she said, “but people need to think about how the pipelines will contribute to their everyday lives.”

Beyond the economic benefits, Fulton said, a pipeline is a safer and cleaner way to transport natural gas liquids than using trucks and rail, and natural gas is cleaner energy to use. Plus, pipeliners embrace their communities and shop locally.

She said the pipeliners have been “amazing,” and she would “rather rent out my (monthly) campgrounds to pipeliners because of the quality of customers.”

Out in Huntingdon County, in the center of the state, Top’s Diner has seen an increase in its customer base and revenue since work on the Mariner East 2 began.

“Having been born and raised in Huntingdon, I’ve always been a big supporter of anything that can benefit the area,” said Rick Walker, the diner’s owner. “Energy Transfer’s Mariner East pipeline has had a definite positive impact.”

Walker has not only seen his business benefit but also other local small businesses.

“I call it the trickle effect,” he said. “All the mom-and-pop stores downtown have had an influx of business as well.”

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