By 250 News
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.”.
For Prince George, the benefits will come in the way of being a supply centre “All of B.C. has an interest in this” says Mayor Dan Rogers, “Prince George plays a role as a supply centre and that will benefit the whole region and the Province.
