By Korie Marshall
Four projects in Valemount could receive funding if the pipeline expansion is approved: the water intake project; updating the emergency plan; the mountain bike park and bridge construction; and support for students in trades, technology and environmental programs related to the pipeline industry.
Kinder Morgan recently announced a contribution of $185,000 to Valemount as part of a group of community benefit agreements, should their application to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline from Edmonton to Burnaby be approved. A copy of Schedule A of the benefits agreement, provided to the Goat by Valemount Village staff, lists the four projects and estimated value of the potential contributions from Kinder Morgan.
On the list of projects is an estimated $80,000 towards the mountain bike park and bridge construction; $50,000 for education funding for programs related to the pipeline industry; $50,000 towards the water intake project; and $5,000 to fund a consultant to update the Village’s Emergency Plan. Discussion is still needed to determine how to allocate the education funding according to the benefits agreement.
Kinder Morgan has committed over $4.6 million for agreements with local governments including Clearwater, Kamloops, Merritt, four electoral areas of Thompson Nicola Regional District, Barriere and Hope in BC, as well as Strathcona County, Stony Plain, Edson, and Hinton, in Alberta. The company says agreements with other communities are anticipated as project planning continues.
The National Energy Board’s review of the project is scheduled to conclude in October 2015, with possible approval in spring 2016.
