Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Pelly Bay (May 20/02) - The Department of Public Works has released the estimated costs of the fuel resupply mission into Kugaaruk last week.

An employee within the department refused to give out the information earlier this month, but deputy minister Ross Mrazek provided preliminary numbers Tuesday morning.

Mrazek said until he receives all the bills, he is only able to provide the budget for the mission and what he thought the final figure cost.

"We budgeted $1.3 million, but we're expecting the price will most likely be below $1 million," said Mrazek.

The money was used to pay First Air to use their Hercules transport to fly in 200,000 litres of gasoline, 600,000 litres of diesel and 20,000 litres of aviation fuel.

The resupply missions are necessary because of increased construction activity and a growing population in the community.

A larger tank farm for Kugaaruk is currently under design. Construction is slated to begin next year and will be complete in 2004.