Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2018-2019 Main Estimates for the Department of Infrastructure. Overall, the department's estimates propose a decrease of half a million dollars or 0.2 per cent over the 2017-2018 Main Estimates.
Highlights of the proposed estimates include forced growth adjustments for maintaining new facilities, and the recently opened Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway No. 10. In addition, increased runway inspections at regional airports will improve safety and service levels for scheduled airlines. Leases transferred to Infrastructure and increased amortization expense of $2.7 million for new assets brought in to service round out the increases over the last fiscal year.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly. Specific initiatives include increasing the use of renewable and alternative energy in off-grid communities, engaging with the federal government to access funding for major renewable energy initiatives, and implementing the 2030 Energy Strategy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, stabilize the cost of living, and promote a sustainable future for our land and people. The department will also provide $2.7 million in core funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance to support its work promoting the use of energy efficient technologies for residents, businesses, and communities.
The department will continue to invest in the Deferred Maintenance Program by upgrading and preserving the government assets such as offices, schools, and health centres. The Deferred Maintenance Program helps the Government of the Northwest Territories to better target its capital dollars in support of its priorities by maintaining and extending the useful life of our existing asset base. The Capital Asset Retrofit Fund will be used to improve the energy efficiency of the Government of the Northwest Territories' buildings, recognizing that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the utility costs of our infrastructure is good for both the environment and the bottom line.
2018-2019 will be the first full year of operations for two new revolving funds created by this Legislative Assembly in the current fiscal year. The Government of the Northwest Territories Marine Transportation Services is planning for its second sailing season, once again providing our residents, businesses, and communities with the reliable marine transportation services they depend on to deliver their household goods and building supplies, as well as aviation, diesel, gasoline, and heating fuels. The evolution of the Yellowknife airport continues, with improvements under way to enhance the travelling experience of Northerners, business travellers, and tourists and promote Yellowknife as a preferred travel destination and jumping-off point to the North.
Infrastructure continues to explore funding agreements with our federal and private sector partners to improve and expand upon the Northwest Territories' transportation and energy corridors, so important to improving the future economic prospects for Northwest Territories businesses and our people. That concludes my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer any Members' questions. Thank you, Mr. Chair.