The Kitselas First Nation and B.C. Hydro on Monday signed an impact benefit agreement that is meant to provide the First Nation with economic development funds and training related to the $404-million northwest transmission line.
The 344-kilometre power line is touted as a catalyst to opening up northwest British Columbia to mining, as well as providing a connection for hydro-power projects.
The projects, if they get off the ground, are expected to have benefits for Prince George.
"The Kitselas First Nation is supportive of development that makes responsible use of our lands and resources and delivers benefits to the region that are in balance with the impacts of the project," said Kitselas chief Glenn Bennett.
"We are continuing to participate actively in the environmental project review of the Northwest Transmission Line, and subject to the issuance of an environmental assessment certificate for the project, Kitselas, pursuant to our stewardship policy, will fully support BC Hydro's Northwest Transmission Line," he said.
B.C. Hydro president Dave Cobb said the goal is to foster economic development opportunities throughout B.C.
Cobb said he looked forward to partnering with other First Nations as they move forward in developing the transmission line.
The federal government has already committed $130 million to the project, and Alberta-based AltaGas Income Trust is providing $180 million towards the power line.
There are several proposed mines along the power line corridor which would benefit from the construction of the power line.
NovaGold had originally been planning to contribute $158 million to the construction of the power line. However, the Galore Creek project was put on hold in late 2007 when construction costs for the gold, copper and silver mine more than doubled to $5 billion. NovaGold recently announced a new pre-feasibility study was underway for a revamped mining plan.
The Galore Creek project is among 10 mining projects that a 2009 report found would attract more than $15 billion in investment and create 10,700 jobs if the power line was built. The report cautioned that the estimates were based on 10 mines being built, some of which are still in the preliminary stages of development.
