The province was to contribute 50 million while Alcan was to contribute 50 million for the construction.

 

Under the 1987 settlement agreement Alcan was to be responsible for the construction of the cold water release facility estimated at the time to be around 150 million dollars.

 

The federal government was encouraged to contribute 50 million, the province 50 million and Alcan 50 million. The federal government refused to participate with the proposal by the then NDP government arguing that they already had a commitment for the entire amount from Alcan.

In 2001 when the previous NEEF report made its initial legally binding decision to commit $100 million towards this project, it had a capital cost of $96 million.  Today, the approximately $38 million recommended allocation contributes to a project estimated at $280 million.  Though it will be a significant undertaking, the Cheslatta are prepared to seek financing for the remaining cost through private investors.

The Cheslatta  say their industry partner, Surespan, is capable and motivated to proceed but the biggest obstacle now is securing a long-term Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro to ensure the economic viability of the project.  The cheslatta say they are  relying on the provincial government to direct BC Hydro to commence formal negotiations leading to an EPA with the Cheslatta partnership.