N.W.T. gets $65 million for infrastructure

YELLOWKNIFE (Oct. 7, 2003) — The Northwest Territories will receive $65 million in federal funding for a project aimed to enhance and develop transportation routes serving oil, gas, and mineral reserves, as well as facilitate pipeline construction.

The proposal, part of the Corridors for Canada project, is expect to give the territory a economic boost, and make it easier for businesses and residents to access essential services.

An initial $20 million contribution, to be made under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, will go toward reconstruction of sections of the Dempster Highway and the Slave Province Transportation Corridor, and the construction of bridges on the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road. The N.W.T. government will match the federal contribution with another $20 million. In subsequent phases of the project, an additional $45 million will be contributed by the fund.