LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS - Norman Wells extended its state of emergency on Friday, and Mayor Dudley Johnson says the future of the town rests in the hands of the federal government.

Norman Wells has been suspended in a state of emergency since May 6.

Johnson said the town has its state of emergency to remain eligible for government funding to help with the community's fuel shortage. He added his meeting last week with Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington and George Anderson, Canada's deputy minister of Natural Resources, left him feeling positive.

"I feel like the federal government is going to back us up, and now has a handle on the (fuel shortage) situation in our town," Johnston said.

Bevington could not be reached for comment.

The mayor said his meeting with Bevington and the deputy minister, and the letter he wrote to the government made an impact in Ottawa, and he added that the federal government is now working with the town to provide better fuel options than propane.

"I don't want to speculate exactly what those options are yet, as they are still in the works," Johnson said.

The switch to propane from natural gas continues to cost the town $15,000 per day, and airlifting the required 21,000 litres of propane to the cost an additional $48,000.

On Friday, Johnson was in Yellowknife meeting with representatives from the GNWT's Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to rally support for Norman Wells, and he said the GNWT is doing its best to come up with a solution to the town's ongoing fuel problem.

Johnson said that Plains Midstream Canada, who runs the Rainbow Pipeline, was to make an announcement about the repairs on Friday, but he had heard nothing.

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