The US Army has informed Congress that it will grant permission to complete the controversial Dakota Access pipeline near tribal territory.
Standing Rock protesters have been camping out in wintry conditions for weeks. Photo: AFP/ GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Scott Olson
The notice comes after Donald Trump formally backed the project in one of his first acts as US president.
Thousands of predominately Native Americans protesters boycotted the $NZ5.1 billion pipeline's construction in the state of North Dakota last year.
In December, prior to Mr Trump's inauguration, the army said it had refused to grant the permit and would consider alternative routes for the pipeline.
The Standing Rock Tribe said they would fight the latest decision in court.
"The Department of the Army announced today that it has completed a presidential-directed review of the remaining easement request for the Dakota Access pipeline, and has notified Congress that it intends to grant an easement," the Army said in a statement.
Easement is a special permit that allows a company to cross private land.
The 1,886km pipeline is almost finished except for a section under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, where demonstrators have set up protest encampments.