Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 16/05) - Ottawa will contribute $4.2 million to help replace sections of Yellowknife's aging sewer system part of nearly $65 million in pre-election goodies announced Thursday by Western Arctic MLA Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

More than 19 kilometres of metal water and sewer mains most of which were installed between 1940 and 1970 will be upgraded to cast iron, a project that will cost a total of $10.4 million.

"This is a really good way to make sewers and water treatment sound exciting," joked Yellowknife Mayor Gord Van Tighem. The city has already spent about $12 million on the plan.

Overall, the federal government announced $64.5 million in handouts for the Northwest Territories, Thursday. Dubbed the "New Deal" for communities, the federal funds are designed to replace decaying infrastructure.

About $37.5 million of the total will come from federal rebates on gas taxes over the next five years. The money, which amounts to $4.5 million in 2005-06, will be invested in eco-friendly projects like water treatment plants, sewer systems, solar power and public transit. The goal, Blondin-Andrew said, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air and water quality.

"This will allow communities to plan for their future infrastructure needs," said Blondin-Andrew.

The $37 million will be divided between the NWT's 33 communities. Yellowknife will receive about $11 million, money that will be incorporated into the upcoming municipal budget.

"Stay tuned," said Van Tighem when asked how the funds would be spent.

Another $27 million has been earmarked for other infrastructure programs across the Territories, including Yellowknife's sewer upgrade.

Behchoko will receive about $4.5 million to fix, and eventually replace its water treatment plant and sewer system. During the press conference, Blondin-Andrew declined to comment on the Gomery report out of "respect" for the other people on the podium. She offered an interview after the ceremonies, but ducked out before reporters could talk with her.