Nisga’a Nation, PRGT sign benefits agreement

Nisga’a Nation confirmed its benefits agreement with Prince Rupert Gas Transmission to provide right of way certainty for its proposed LNG pipeline project from northeastern British Columbia to the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG export facility at Lelu Island near Prince Rupert.

Nisga’a Nation also announced to the LNG sector that Nisga’a Nation is actively seeking investors to pursue an LNG liquefaction project using the expansion capacity it has secured on the pipeline under this agreement.

President Mitchell Stevens stated, “Working together with PRGT, we have concluded an agreement that provides project certainty for PRGT in the construction of this pipeline that is critical to the aspirations of both British Columbia and the Nisga’a Nation to be a part of the world class LNG export industry. It also provides numerous financial and other benefits to the Nisga’a Nation over the life of the project to ensure the Nisga’a Nation can achieve its broader economic goals including the ability to participate directly in LNG development.”

Dean Patry, President of Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project said the benefits agreement with the Nisga’a Lisims Government is an important milestone for PRGT, and it reflects the company’s commitment to engage with the Nisga’a people in a meaningful way and provide fair compensation for the easements and associated impacts during construction.

PRGT is proposing to design, build, own and operate and decommission a 900 km natural gas pipeline project to deliver natural gas from a point near Hudson’s Hope to the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG facility at Lelu Island, near Prince Rupert. The benefits agreement will, in consideration of the substantial financial and other benefits that will accrue to the Nisga’a Nation under the agreement, allow approximately 97 Km of the proposed project to run through Nisga’a Lands owned by the Nisga’a Nation and the Provincial Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park.

President Stevens continued, “As a result of this agreement, we hold an option for an unparalleled opportunity for an LNG investor to join us in bringing LNG to market. We serve notice to the LNG sector and invite interested investors to explore this unique and highly attractive opportunity with us.”

Access to tidewater site and transportation capacity on the PRGT pipeline will enable an LNG proponent to joint venture with the Nisga’a Nation to establish an LNG processing facility at one of the sites in the Nass Area, in close proximity to an eventual pipeline route, on shipping lanes located closer to Asia.

“The Nisga’a Nation has accumulated the key elements to become an active participant in the LNG industry in BC,” concluded President Stevens.

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Press Release; Image: Pacific NorthWest LNG