1. How much money has been allocated to this project?
In the current fiscal year, 1998-1999, the reconstruction of Highway #3 has an approved capital budget of $8,680,000.
2. Over how many years will this project be undertaken?
Based on current project estimates and funding levels, the reconstruction of Highway #3 from Rae- Edzo to Yellowknife is expected to take between 12 and 14 years to complete.
3. How much money will be spent in each of these years?
The department's expenditures on this project in any year will depend on the capital budget the Legislative Assembly approves for it.
4. Who are the contractors and for what portion of the contract have they been hired?
The department has negotiated contracts with the Denton cho Corporation (Yellowknife's Dene First Nation) for the clearing on the Yellowknife end (km 318 to 333.5) of the project and with Nishi-Khon Freeway Inc (Dogrib Rae Band) for clearing on the Rae-Edzo end (km 243.9 to 256.8) of the project.
The reconstruction work on the Rae-Edzo end of the project has been publicly tendered and is currently under review. The department has not yet awarded a contract.
The department has not yet awarded a contract for the reconstruction work on the Yellowknife end of the project. The contract will be advertised as a public tender on November 30, 1998.
5. Also, will local preference be taken into consideration when contracts are awarded?
In the award of contracts, the Department of Transportation will apply local and Northern preferences in accordance with the Government of the Northwest Territories Business Incentive Policy.
6. Who will be undertaking the right of way clearing of the highway?
The future contracts for right of way clearing on the Highway 3 reconstruction project will be awarded according to the government's contracting regulations and policies as they are in force and apply lat the time.
7. Will the Department of Transportation use the same principles it used with the residents of Fort Providence, such as local aboriginals negotiating the right-of-way work on the portion of the highway nearest to the community?
The answer to this question is the same as for question 6.
8. Will the majority of service work be done by local businesses?
The Business Incentive Policy encourages contractors to make use of local businesses and services.
9. Will heavy equipment operators with journeymen tickets be given first preference in being hired?
The successful contractors will hire employees who are trained and qualified to operate their heavy equipment safely and effectively.
10. Will the GNWT ensure that the benefits of this project remain in the north and in the communities that are affected by this project?
The conditions of the reconstruction contract for the Rae-Edzo section (km 243.9 to 256.4) stipulate that 90 percent of the on-site employees are northern residents and that 50 percent of the on-site employees are hired from the local community.