The Gitxaala Nation of Kitkatla has signed on to support liquefied natural gas pipelines in the Northwest in a deal that could be worth more than $4 million.
Under the terms of the pipeline benefits agreement, the Gitxaala could benefit from construction of both the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project and the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission pipeline. For the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, the Gitxaala receive a $308,000 payment upon signing and could receive another $770,000 when pipeline construction begins and a further $770,000 when the pipeline begins operations. The one time payment for the Westcoast Gas Transmission pipeline include a $328,000 one-time payment and a further $820,000 at the start of both construction and operations.
As well as the defined financial benefits, the Gitxaala will share in a fund of $10 million annually after the pipelines are in operation.
"Gitxaala First Nation welcomes the opportunity to be an active partner of LNG in B.C.," said Chief Clarence Innis.
"In addition to our pipeline benefits agreements, we look forward to our members further participating in skills training and environmental stewardship opportunities that form part of the comprehensive package being tabled by government."
Others signing benefit agreements on Monday were the Kitselas First Nation near Terrace and the Yekooche First Nation near Fort St. James.