TUKTOYAKTUK - Tuktoyaktuk could be a step further toward building an all-weather road to Inuvik.

Chuck Strahl, federal minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, announcedThursday the government would pay for a $975,000 "feasibility study" to look into building a 140 km highway from Tuk to Inuvik, a project that both communities have been looking forward to for decades. Currently Tuk is accessible only by air or by the ice road over the Mackenzie River in winter.

The Town of Inuvik has formed an organizational committee with Tuk to work together in the planning process, and a consultant to complete the study is expected to start work later this week to consider factors such as the location of fish breeding waters, bear dens and pingos.

"Our government recognizes that construction of an all-weather highway is a priority for the Northwest Territories," Strahl said in a release. "The completion of the Tuktoyaktuk to Inuvik segment is a logical first step and would provide Canada with a road to the Arctic coast. This is why we are so proud to support this feasibility study."

Tuktoyaktuk mayor Merven Gruben said the funding is a long time coming, something Tuk residents have wanted since before he became a councillor 13 years ago.

"Ever since I started I've been pushing for it," he said. "We have to get going right away before snow falls, before the creeks freeze up."

Community consultation meetings on the project are set to begin in October.

Though the federal government has not yet committed any money to the construction of the highway, Gruben said he's confident it will happen.

"The federal government is really gung-ho on getting this road built," he said. "You know, finishing off Diefenbaker's dream."

Inuvik Mayor Derek Lindsay said the appeal of a country accessible coast-to-coast would reap economic benefits for the town and could strengthen the fledgling oil and gas industry.

"If they're going to Tuk, they have to come through Inuvik," he said.

"It's definitely going to be good for tourism."