Gitlaxt’aamiks  (New Aiyansh) BC,  - The Nisga'a legislature, Wilp Si'ayuukhl Nisga'a  has  passed resolutions in support of the construction of BC Hydro's proposed Northwest Transmission Line through Nisga'a Lands and the Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park. The proposed 287 kilovolt AC transmission line will connect BC Hydro's Skeena substation near Terrace with a new substation to be built in the vicinity of Bob Quinn Lake.

 

Nisga'a Lisims Government has entered into a Benefits Agreement with BC Hydro in relation to the Northwest Transmission Line. "These resolutions show that our highest legislative body is satisfied with the terms and conditions of the Benefits Agreement that has been negotiated with BC Hydro," said Mitchell Stevens, President of the Nisga'a Nation.

 

The resolutions of the Nisga'a legislature are conditional on the Northwest Transmission Line receiving approvals under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.  The line has been approved by Provincial  bodies, but Federal approval has yet to be anounced.

 

"Once the federal regulatory approvals have been received, the Nisga'a Nation will be prepared to grant rights of way that permit the Northwest Transmission Line to cross Nisga'a Lands," said President Stevens.  "We feel that the Benefits Agreement we have negotiated with BC Hydro will yield significant benefits to Nisga'a citizens not only during the construction of the transmission line but throughout its lifetime."

 

"We thank President Stevens for his leadership on this negotiation and the Nisga'a Nation for their support of the Northwest Transmission Line and look forward to working with them to implement the terms of the benefits agreement," said Greg Reimer, Senior Vice President, Transmission, BC Hydro.