2-02486Fort Providence, NWT (April 13, 2004) - The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, MP for Western Arctic, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is pleased to announce today $3 million from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada¿s Regional Partnerships Fund to assist the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation with the development of an all weather bridge crossing over the Mackenzie River at Fort Providence, NWT. "This project demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Government of Canada to improving infrastructure in the North," said Ms. Blondin-Andrew. "Ensuring year-round road access to the resource rich North Slave Region will bring certainty to both individuals and industry.""This type of public-private partnership illustrates what can be done when government, private industry and First Nations work together," said Minister Mitchell. "An all-weather bridge over the Mackenzie will reduce travel time, ensure year-round access, and generate important revenue for the communities involved.""The department has been a strong supporter from the start and this commitment is a key requirement for us to go ahead with the project", said Michael Vandell, president of the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation. "We are close to finalizing designs and agreements with the Government of the Northwest Territories and we expect environmental permits by September. This means a construction start before the end of the year." Some benefits of the bridge proposal include:The Deh Cho Bridge Corporation will be 100% Aboriginal owned.Profits from the bridge will provide a substantial investment fund for future employment and business initiatives.As part of the public-private partnership, the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation will own the bridge for 35 years. There will be a long-term reduction in the environmental impacts on the area due to the replacement of the existing ice bridge and ferry operations.Long term benefits will accrue to local and NWT residents and businesses with all weather/year round road access and subsequent reduction in freighting and re-supply costs. It is estimated that 44% of the construction expenditures will accrue to NWT businesses.The Deh Cho Bridge Corporation, incorporated in 2002, currently has two shareholders: the Deh Gah Got'ie Dene Band and the Fort Providence Métis Council, Local No. 57. In total, this project will cost $57.1 million to complete.The Regional Partnership Fund (RPF) promotes First Nation, Inuit and Innu participation in, and expanded benefits from, major regional economic development initiatives through the support for the development of economic infrastructure.For more information, please contact:Lorne Tricoteux Associate Regional Director GeneralIndian and Northern Affairs Canada(867) 669- 2501 Albert LaffertyChief Operating OfficerDeh Cho Bridge Corporation(867) 699-4890Backgrounder - Deh Cho (Mackenzie River) Bridge
