Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet - (Aug 10/05) - A total of $53.5 million will be coming Nunavut's way from the federal government during the next five years as a result of two deals signed this past week.

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) will deliver $16 million to Nunavut over the five-year period for municipal projects such as recreation facilities, hamlet offices and halls, access roads, tourism facilities and mobile equipment.

The MRIF's $16-million contribution will be matched by the Nunavut government.

The gas tax initiative will provide Nunavut with $37.5 million during the first five years and $15 million annually thereafter.

Money from the initiative must be used for environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure projects in the areas of water, sewage and solid waste.

The government of Nunavut is not required to match gas-tax-initiative funding.