August 29, 2007
Wuskwatim Generating Station Continues To Move Forward: Selinger
Nelson House—Finance Minister Greg Selinger, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, was here today as part of a series of provincewide meetings designed to give Manitobans an opportunity for input into the next provincial budget. The minister also used the opportunity to provide an update on the Wuskwatim Generating Station.
“Together with our partners, we continue to make significant progress on the 200-megawatt Wuskwatim Generating Station,” said Selinger. “We have already commissioned the project’s
$8.3-million construction power substation and awarded over $200 million in contracts for Wuskwatim projects.”
$8.3-million construction power substation and awarded over $200 million in contracts for Wuskwatim projects.”
Some of the larger contracts including a number to First Nation joint ventures include:
· a $39.4-million contract to the Nisichawayasihk Construction Limited Partnership for building the 48-kilometre access road to the project site. The first phase of construction on the road was completed in early spring, allowing limited all-weather access to the site. Work will continue on the road with completion scheduled for early 2008.
· a $46.3-million contract to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation/Sodexho joint venture for provision of catering services to the construction camps until 2012 and a $7.2-million contract to the same group for the provision of security services at project sites.
· a $46.2-million contract to General Electric Hydro for the design, manufacture and supply of the station’s three hydroelectric turbines and generators.
· a $2.2-million contract to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation for the provision of cross-cultural training, counselling and retention services for all project and contract employees.
· contracts totalling over $54 million to a number of suppliers for the development and construction of various work camps to be used over the life of the project including the 650-person main camp. The main camp, featuring offices, bunkhouses, kitchen, dining and recreational facilities, will be ready for occupancy in early 2008.
“With progress on the main camp, construction power substation and access road, we are well on our way so the construction of the generating station itself can begin next year,” said Selinger.
The minister noted that more than 250 workers are currently employed on the Wuskwatim project, with Aboriginal workers making up over 74 per cent of the workforce.
The minister also announced that Manitoba Hydro will be re-issuing two bonds of the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board in the amounts of $40 million and approximately $9 million to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. The issuance of the bonds will provide Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation with a secure investment to earn annual income to support ongoing community programming.
The Wuskwatim Power Limited Partnership, involving Manitoba Hydro and the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, is developing the Wuskwatim Generating Station. The Wuskwatim Generating Station and associated transmission components are scheduled for completion in 2012, at a total cost of $1.3 billion.
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