Press Release

Eastmain 1-A and Rupert River Diversion Project
Funding to Support Public and Local Administrations Participation to Public Hearings is Now Available

Québec, December 21^st 2005 - The Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs announces today the conditions for the allocation of the third phase of the 200 000 $ grant program set up to support public participation in the consultation on the Eastmain 1-A Rupert diversion project. Made public on March 7^th, 2003, this program’s objective is to encourage persons, groups and local administrations to voice their point of view on the impact assessment of the project submitted by Hydro-Québec.

The upcoming consultations, the third to be held in the environmental assessment process, will focus on the impacts of the project. Public hearings are planned for the communities of Mistissini, Nemiscau, Waskaganish, Wemindji, Eastmain as well as Chibougamau and Montréal.

An amount of 114 000 $ is dedicated to this third phase. After analysis of applications by a funding review committee, the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs will allocate available funds to qualifying groups and individuals to help them prepare and present their point of view. Applications from groups and from persons living on the territory touched by the project will be considered first and foremost.

To apply for a grant, it is necessary to complete the relevant form and to send it to the Ministry by January 25th, 2006. Information on the program and application forms can be obtained in the following places: on the Internet site of the Ministry, the information center of the Ministry (418-521-3830 or 1-800-561-1616); at the Local Administration Offices; at the Public Information Office as well as at the Cree Regional Authority. Information on details of the program and the application forms is also available from the Direction des évaluations environnementales of the Ministry (418 521-3933).

The announcement of this funding program does not preclude the decision to be made by the Review Committee (COMEX) and the Federal Review Panel concerning the conformity of the impact study and the holding of the public hearings.

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