WHEREAS the Bear River Bridge project has been put on hold pending the identification and approval of a federal funding source;
AND WHEREAS the Department of Transportation is continuously examining federal funding programs that could provide financial support for the construction of the Bear River Bridge;
AND WHEREAS the department has completed a breakdown of costs of construction of the Bear River Bridge as well as a cost-benefit and regional impact analysis of the Mackenzie Valley Highway extension that includes a bridge over the Bear River;
AND WHEREAS the federal government has demonstrated interest in supporting northern infrastructure projects and recently announced funding for project description reports for the Mackenzie Valley Highway extension;
AND WHEREAS the Bear River Bridge would increase access to the Sahtu region for the purposes of exploration, tourism and economic development;
AND WHEREAS the Bear River Bridge would help area residents adapt to climate change as the ice road season shortens and ice is weaker;
AND WHEREAS the Bear River Bridge would reduce the cost of transport into the region thus enhancing the livelihood of many Northerners and reducing the cost of living in the Sahtu which is a primary goal of the 16th Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS the commitment to the Bear River Bridge project could be a legacy project of meaningful value;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that this Assembly directs the Minister of Transportation to seek federal funding via the P3 Canada Fund for this important piece of infrastructure in the Northwest Territories.
There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
