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ADVANCING TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE MACKENZIE VALLEY

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (December 5, 2003) - The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, MP for Western Arctic, on behalf of the Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, is pleased to announce the contribution of $3.6 million from DIAND's Regional Partnerships Fund to assist the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Transportation in constructing twelve permanent bridges along the winter route between Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope.

"Transportation infrastructure is a top priority for northern development," said Minister Nault. "These bridges will allow winter roads to be open longer every year, providing positive economic benefits for much of the Northwest Territories."

Building the Mackenzie Valley bridges will extend the winter road season by an additional eight weeks of operation and make it possible for the winter road to be open for sixteen weeks. The original plan called for the bridges to be constructed over a six to seven year period. Advancing the bridges construction for the operating season commencing 2005-2006, will result in accelerating access by four to five years.

"Accelerating the bridge building program along the Norman Wells to Fort Good Hope route will yield a number of economic benefits," said the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew. "It will decrease exploration costs for oil and gas companies, reduce the cost of living, enhance mobility for area residents, increase Aboriginal employment and business income, and increase community access to services."

Of the $5.7 million estimated as the total project cost, about $4.6 million will be spent in the North, directly benefitting Aboriginal people and Northerners. Installing permanent bridges and increasing the stability of the operating season will also provide the oil and gas industry with more certainty about the parameters within which they can continue to operate in the NWT region.

"This strategic investment in northern transportation infrastructure will improve access and opportunities for both communities and industry," said Joseph Handley, GNWT Minister of Transportation. "By moving ahead with construction, the bridges will be in place in time for natural gas pipeline construction."

The funding DIAND is providing for this project represents 63% of the total $5.7 million project costs required for the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road bridges. Including the funding announced today, DIAND has contributed over $7.3 million towards winter road bridges in the Northwest Territories over the last three years.

This investment is part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure in the Northwest Territories and is part of the response to the Corridors for Canada proposal put forth by the GNWT.

For more information, please contact:

Lorne Tricoteux
Associate Regional Director General
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
867-669-2501

Bob Kelly
Manager,
Public Affairs and Communications
Government of Northwest Territories
867-873-7712

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