NNSL (Mar 30/98) - Ten Northern communities have been awarded more than $1 million for various infrastructure projects.

Members of Parliament for both Northern ridings made announcements last week about the funding.

"This round of project approvals really focuses on the youth in these five Western Arctic communities," said Ethel Blondin-Andrew, secretary of state for children and youth and Western Arctic MP.

"Construction of a cultural camp and a baseball diamond are all projects which will improve the quality of life in the communities," said Blondin-Andrew.

Enterprise, Fort Resolution, Dettah, Ndilo and Rae Lakes will receive $368,718 in funding for projects which include Metis cultural camp facilities, graveyard upgrades. Dettah and Ndilo will also be putting some money towards an extension to their health and social programs facility and in Rae Lakes, residents will see renovations to the community hall and early childhood centre buildings.

Enterprise will buy a school bus and in Fort Resolution, a baseball diamond will be completed and a Zamboni will be purchased along with a house for the Zamboni.

Nunavut MP, Nancy Karetak-Lindell is pleased with the number of infrastructure projects being funded this time.

"Since the program was extended on April 14, 1997, infrastructure projects totalling over $2.1 million have been approved in 28 Nunavut communities," said Karetak-Lindell. "As well, 165 jobs of varying lengths will be created in these communities."

The five Nunavut communities will share $641,593 in funding.

With the money, Iqaluit will complete a disabled access ramp at the town hall, they will build a new community hall and renovate the mission and rectory.

Igloolik will have the old post office converted into a sewing centre, Pangnirtung will upgrade the church and Resolute Bay will get money to renovate the community hall.

Arviat, Karetak-Lindell's home town will see new siding for the pool, the installation of a concrete floor in the arena and renovations to the community hall.

The Canada-NWT Infrastructure Works Program is a cost-shared initiative set up to help meet the infrastructure needs of Northern communities.

Funding for the program is provided for in the federal budget.

"Any local government, band council. Metis local, designated organization of a settled land claim, community organization and incorporated public or private organization may apply for funding under this program," said Education Minister Charles Dent, a partner in the program.