Thank you Mr. Chairman. Highways 3A and 3B Kilometre 0 to 243. Committee was told that tenders came in lower than anticipated on this project and resulted in savings of $606,000.00. This amount was
subsequently transferred to Highway 3B Kilometres 154 to 243. Where significant work is still required. The Committee understood the rationale for this transfer but was disappointed at the poor level of budgeting planning in this case.
Fort Simpson access paving. The Minister told the Committee that second stage paving originally planned for Highway #1B was not required as the road did not deteriorate as rapidly as expected. Resulting saving totalled $800,000.00. The Committee was surprised to find out that the Minister took the bulk of these funds, $650,000.00 and paved an access road to a new subdivision area just outside of Fort Simpson.
The Committee was alarmed to learn that this project did not even appear on the Department's 5 year capital plan. The Minister did not give any explanation for this except to say that the Mayor of Fort Simpson played a major role in this decision. Members were extremely annoyed by this event. The Committee has noted that a municipal mayor had more input into the Minister's decision than the public, Legislative Assembly and Standing Committees combined.
The Committee had recommended that no future changes to the capital budget plans be carried out without involvement of the agreements of the affected MLA's. This has however already been addressed through a motion in the House. Thank you Mr. Chairman. I will ask Mr. O'Brien, deputy chair of the Standing Committee of Resource Management and Development conclude the report.