June 20, 2011 - The Project Description Report (PDR), for the future construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway in the Gwich’in Settlement Area, was presented to Transportation Minister Michael McLeod by Richard Nerysoo, President of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, marking another milestone in the Mackenzie Valley Highway to Tuktoyaktuk project.
“The completion of the PDR for the Gwich’in Settlement Area represents a significant chapter in the Wrigley to Tuktoyaktuk highway project,” Minister McLeod said. “This work, completed by the Gwich’in Tribal Council, confirms that working in partnership with Aboriginal groups is an effective way to plan and move forward on major projects.”
In 2008, the Mackenzie Valley Highway to Tuktoyaktuk project received the unanimous support of Members of the 16th Assembly. The project is to complete an all weather highway from Wrigley to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Coast. Project Description Reports are underway for the portions of the planned highway south of the Gwichin’s Settlement Area. Once those PDRs are complete later this year, they will be combined and the project will enter its environmental review phase.
When completed, it will improve the economics of energy and mining exploration and development in the region, enhancing economic development opportunities throughout the Northwest Territories. The Mackenzie Valley Highway to Tuktoyaktuk will also reduce the cost of living in communities along the highway. The completed highway will benefit all Canadians by enhancing sovereignty and economic activity.
For further information, please contact:
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
867-873-7712
867-445-3494 (Cell)
earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca