Federal Funding for Northern Transmission Line
FIRST IT was the thrill of Hockeyville.
And now the city can look forward to being the headquarters for the Northwest Transmission Line, says mayor Dave Pernarowski.
“All during the Hockeyville weekend people kept asking me what was next. Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet,” he said last week after the federal government announced it would chip in up to $130 million for the long-wanted Northwest Transmission Line which would bring stable power up Hwy37 North.
Pernarowski said the line would lead to the development of mines who need stable and lower cost power and provide the foundation for run of river projects in that region to feed power back down south.
“This is a very optimistic piece of news,” he added.
Pernarowksi said the best part of the announcement was the idea the line could be extended one day into southeast Alaska so that power from hydro projects there could then flow south.
“That was an extra dimension,” he said, adding that American legislators and others had also lobbied for the line.
“With all of these pieces now in place this is going to be a very exciting time,” Pernarowksi said.
The KT Industrial Development Society (KTIDS) applauds Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s announcement that the federal government will invest up to $130 million in the much-needed Northwest Transmission Line.
The Canadian Government’s commitment to this project enables the Province of BC to move ahead on its vision for the development of the Northwest.
“This is a transformational project that will bring opportunities to First Nations and communities in the Northwest,” says Ron Burnett, President of KTIDS. “Existing proven ore bodies along Highway
37 and greener, cleaner energy generation projects throughout the area can now become economically viable.”
This project will revitalize northwestern BC, strengthen the province and in partnership with our Alaskan neighbours could open up a substantial source of new, green energy. It also means that numerous First Nations communities in the north will no longer be reliant on burning diesel for energy.
Once in place, the Northwest Transmission Line will provide the infrastructure needed to ensure the economic sustainability of our northern communities and draw significant investment to the region. This investment not only benefits the Northwest, but the entire Province of British Columbia.
KTIDS extends its thanks to Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Blair Lekstrom for their continued support for this power line.
“We look forward to this project entering the next phase of its development and seeing construction begin as soon as possible,” says Burnett.
The Terrace Economic Development Authority (TEDA) is also thrilled by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s announcement.
“This new federal funding could be the final piece of the Northwest Transmission Line puzzle,” says Sam Harling, Economic Development Officer for TEDA. “The line has been talked about for years as one of the single greatest catalysts that will bring significant economic and environmental benefit to this area of the Province and beyond.”
The line is expected to create billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs from short-term construction to ongoing jobs in the mining sector in years to come. Its development also means many communities as far north as Dease Lake, BC will be able to move away from diesel generated power to a cleaner, more reliable alternative.
The power line is expected to make future mining operations in the region viable, encourage investment in British Columbia and will provide a wide range of opportunities for power generation in the north. It also means significant economic spinoffs for the Terrace area as it is expected to be the supply centre for the line’s construction and future projects. TEDA recognizes the hard work of northern communities and individuals in continuously advocating for the development of the Northwest Transmission Line.
“We appreciate the federal Government’s dedication to economic, social and environmental development in northwestern BC by supporting this project,” says Harling.
“We recognize BC’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Blair Lekstrom for his dogged support of the line’s development and his continued efforts to maintain the province of BC as a key contributor to the construction of this $404 million project.”
Terrace Standard
