GITXSAN First Nations house groups have signed agreements providing training, jobs and other financial benefits tied to the construction of BC Hydro’s Northwest Transmission Line.
The agreements with the Gitxsan Huwilp (Houses) of Tenimgyet, Wii Hlengwax and Lelt were signed last week.
The Gitxsan house groups join the Gitanyow Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation and the Tahltan Nation in signing agreements.
The Nisga’a Lisims Government also signed an agreement.
The Gitxsan independent Skii km Lax Ha have yet to sign.
Also without agreements are the Kitksumkalum and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations.
The 344km long transmission line will provide power for mines and other developments north along Hwy37 North.
It will start off from the Skeena Substation located just south of Terrace.
First BC Hydro has been signing agreements with First Nations who have traditional territory over which the line will run.
BC Hydro did not release the dollar value of the Gitxsan agreement nor has it released the dollar value of the other agreements.
BC Hydro estimates the line will cost anywhere from $365 million to $525 million.
It estimates the transmission line will create up to 840 direct jobs during the three years of construction.
BC Hydro wants the line finished by late 2013. Along with providing power for mines and other developments, the line will also feed power from independent power projects into the provincial grid