On September 27, 2010 BakkenLink Pipeline LLC (“BakkenLink Pipeline”) launched a binding Open Season to obtain firm commitments from interested parties for the BakkenLink Pipeline Project (the “Project” or “BakkenLink”). BakkenLink is a proposed 305-mile crude oil pipeline that will transport approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day from North Dakota and Montana’s prolific Bakken oil producing region in the Williston Basin to Baker, Montana, where it will connect with TransCanada’s proposed Bakken Marketlink Project. From there, parties will be able to access attractive end markets in the Mid-Continent and the Gulf Coast region.

Expected Project Benefits:

• For Shipping Parties: In addition to meeting the ever-increasing export demand, BakkenLink will provide producers with competitive transportation rates to access various attractive end markets, and
• For North Dakota and Montana: BakkenLink will provide additional tax revenue to the area, reduce the impact on roads and public infrastructure, and bring more jobs to the region.

Following the completion of a successful Open Season, BakkenLink Pipeline intends to proceed with the necessary regulatory applications and permits to begin construction and operations. Construction of the Project is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2011 with completion expected in the first quarter of 2013.

The Open Season period, originally set to expire November 10, 2010 at 4 p.m.(Central Time), has been extended to November 19, 2010 at 4 p.m. (Central Time). During this period, parties interested in submitting binding bids for transportation capacity of crude oil from any of the nine receipt points to Baker, Montana must first execute the Confidentiality Agreement prior to receiving commercially sensitive information, including a detailed pipeline map, draft Transportation Services Agreement and other Open Season information.