Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (June 14/02) - Changing the proposed design of a Mackenzie River bridge could push the cost beyond the reach of the group that wants to built it.

In an interview with the Drum last week, Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod said said significant changes to the bridge design could push the cost above the $45 million target.

"If the (cost of the) final design parameters is considerably higher than what we proposed or if the navigable channel (must be) wider than we proposed by a large margin, it may just price the project out of our reach," said McLeod.

"We have our limits just like any other project."

Northern Transportation Company Limited (NTCL), a Hay River-based business that barges cargo up and down the Mackenzie, wants to ensure the dimensions don't interfere with river traffic.

"We're all for the bridge. We think it's a great idea, but we just want to make sure it doesn't endanger the navigation characteristics of the river," said Cliff Abraham, president of NTCL, which transports items as large as oil rigs and modules.

NTCL has not yet determined whether minor or drastic alterations, if any, would have to be made to the proposed bridge design, Abraham said.

McLeod said those details will be crucial.

"If we stuck to our design, we're very confident we can do it for 45 (million dollars)," McLeod said.

"Now it may not end up at 45 (million dollars) if they're asking for certain extras -- wider or higher or stronger supports."

Doug Bryshun, a member of the bridge committee, said project specifications have been based on previous meetings with NTCL.

"We've done our due diligence and we've obviously given consideration to river traffic," Bryshun said. "We're continuing to work with (NTCL)."

Representatives from the parties were to have met again in Hay River Wednesday.

Financing issues

With annual operation expenses -- pegged at approximately $4 million -- and steep outlay, interest rates is another key factor.

"With every percentage that interest rates rise, we're looking at a huge amount of extra cost," said McLeod.

He said the committee has been in contact with potential investors, including bankers and investment agencies, but they have to "firm up things a lot more."

With an environmental assessment to be completed over the next year, bridge construction couldn't begin until next summer.

Based on nearly two years of expected assembly, the two-lane, one-kilometre span would open in 2005 at the earliest.

The territorial government has approached the federal government for $20 million specifically for bridge funding through the federal infrastructure program, according to McLeod.

"They're applying for it on our behalf," he said.

"We're hoping to hear of some financial commitment from the federal government right shortly."

The bridge committee, comprised of local leaders from Fort Providence, is hoping to sign an agreement in principle with the territorial government in the coming weeks, he added.