Feds Kick In $130 Million for Highway 37 Power Line

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:42 AM

Prince George, B.C. – Supporters of the Highway 37 transmission line say they are “ecstatic” as Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced funding for the construction of the Highway 37 Transmission Line.

This project, estimated at $404 million, is expected to be ready for construction in the spring of 2010.

The Federal Government will set aside funding of up to a maximum of $130 million for this project. Federal financial support for this green infrastructure project is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement with the British Columbia government under the Green Infrastructure Fund.

The Prime Minister made the announcement in Washington during his meeting with U.S. president Barrack Obama.

“Our government is supporting environmentally sound infrastructure and initiatives that promote cleaner, greener energy,” said the Prime Minister. “The Northwest Transmission Line will facilitate the development of green energy and help provide British Columbia’s northern and remote communities with more sustainable and affordable power.”

“The fact he made the announcement in Washington indicates how important the federal Government views this project” says Byng Giraud, of the Mining Association of B.C.

The 335-kilometre transmission line will contribute to the development and use of green energy in the area. This project has been selected as a priority for funding under the new federal Green Infrastructure Fund. It is possible the line could link with Alaska.

Giraud says he had heard something was in the works about the project “We had indications something might happen, but we didn’t expect to happen so quickly.”

Giraud says the importance of the economic impact of this transmission line cannot be underestimated “This isn’t just about one mine, it’s about opening up the North and possibly linking with our neighbours in Alaska.”.

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Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:42 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Czar on September 16 2009 11:55 AM

Sweet! Congratulations Northwest BC!

Posted by: Czar on September 16 2009 12:29 PM

The City and Borough of Wrangell, Alaska has signed on to the Highway 37 Initiative. www.highway37.com

The Alaska Tlingit-Haida First Nation, Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA), similar to others local governments in Southeast Alaska, are working with the Wrangell City and Borough to form an Alaska - Canada Transmission Intertie committee modeled after the Highway 37 Electrification Initiative.

The Alaska Tlingit-Haida First Nation has good relations with Canadian First Nations and has discussed working cooperatively with the Yukon and BC Tlingit First Nations (and also working with Metlakatla Alaska Tsimshian First Nation) as well as Lax Kwa alaams, Metlakatla and a Terrace areas Gixan First Nation hereditary leader.

The Tlingit-Haida encompasses the entirety of the Alaska Panhandle from Hydaburg to the northern communities of Yakutat, Klukwan and Skagway. Wrangell is originally a Tlingit First Nation village and also has many Tahltan families whom live and reside there.

Our region is supportive of your efforts and extends its congratulations on meeting this vital milestone.

Our region is blessed with 10,000 megawatts of stranded environmentally benign, alpine lake tap hydro. Similar to BC we have geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and biomass renewable resources to benefit, ourselves, our neighbors and all of North America.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on September 16 2009 1:19 PM

Now,watch the Campbell Liberals try to wiggle out of this one!
As in...sorry,we are broke!
Finger and toes crossed for this!

Posted by: hammmy on September 16 2009 1:34 PM

Real Cool Czar!