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N.D. (AP) — The Army Corps of Engineers has been ordered to allow construction of the Dakota Access pipeline to go ahead under a disputed Missouri River crossing.

It’s the latest twist in a months-long legal battle over the $3.8 billion project.

North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven says acting Secretary of the Army, Robert Speer, has directed the Army Corps of Engineers to “proceed” with an easement necessary to complete the pipeline.

Here’s what Senator Heitkamp stated:

“For months, North Dakotans have been on edge over the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the protests surrounding it, and for months they have faced uncertainty and delays on the ultimate fate of the project while constant disruptions took a toll on the sense of safety and security of communities near the construction,” said Heitkamp. “Now that the Acting Secretary of the Army has directed the Army Corps of Engineers to issue an easement to complete the project, we know construction will move forward – though we are waiting on more information in regards to a timeline for when construction can begin. We also know that with tensions high, our families, workers, and tribal communities deserve the protective resources they need to stay safe. Shortly after his inauguration, I requested President Trump provide needed federal law enforcement resources and funding I had also called on the previous administration to provide — to assist state and local law enforcement officers in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Morton County and other nearby areas while the protest camp continues to clear out and in anticipation of pipeline construction starting again.”

The Standing Rock Sioux have vowed to go to court again to stop it.