Fort Providence (May 26/03) - The proposed Deh Cho bridge is almost a done deal, but there is at least one person who has some concerns about it.

North Slave MLA Leon Lafferty made these concerns known last Thursday during a committee meeting discussing the proposed bridge over the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence.

Because of those concerns, the committee agreed to allow Lafferty time to consult his constituents before recommending the legislation.

The legislative assembly is set to vote on this new legislation in June, but the committee is willing to hold a meeting in the North Slave constituency prior to the summer session if Lafferty finds enough support.

Lafferty's concerns lie with the small communities that still rely on air supplies, which include many towns in his constituency.

"I support the bridge but I do not support what impact it could have on my constituents," said Lafferty.

He is concerned about the benefits and costs of the project, wondering where the numbers put forward by proponents of the bridge come from and who exactly will benefit from the bridge.

Lafferty thinks the commercial toll proposed to pay the bridge will mean increases in consumer costs, not decreases. Fuel was his major concern.

He also said that since his constituents will likely not use the bridge, the toll should be for everyone, not just commercial vehicles. That way, Lafferty said, the costs of the bridge don't fall on the consumers living in isolated communities.

However, members of the committee said that with no more delays during break-up and freeze-up, goods will be available year round, thus getting rid of shortages and allowing a constant supply of goods.

And even with only a commercial toll in place, the bridge can be paid for in 35 years.

The Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op said in April the bridge could end up saving the company $100,000 a year in reduced air freight and other costs.

Lafferty says there is not enough information available to back these claims, but with tremendous support for the bridge the project is likely to go ahead.

The NWT Motor Transport Association which the toll would target is behind the project, as are the Dene Nation Leaders and the NWT Association of Communities.