FGA Consultants Ltd. from Fredericton, New Brunswick, was chosen this week to conduct a study into the impact of a natural gas pipeline to Prince Edward Island. In December, the provincial government called for proposals for the study and, as a result of the advertisement, seven proposals were received from across the country.
The purpose of the report will be to determine the expected economic outcomes of a lateral natural gas pipeline to the Island and to investigate the potential opportunities for using natural gas in the province's electrical generation and industrial sectors, as well as other potential applications.
The study is being commissioned by the Department of Development and will examine the economic impact if Prince Edward Island is successful in getting access to natural gas. FGA Consultants has hired Coles Associates Ltd., a local engineering firm, to provide engineering support for the study.
"This study will provide the province with a complete overview of the impact of the Sable Island Natural Gas Pipeline for Prince Edward Island," said Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development. "It will also give the province some concrete numbers when evaluating the feasibility of the project."
The study is being cost-shared by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Development under the Canada/PEI Regional Economic Development Agreement (REDA). ACOA is providing 85 percent of the funding with the remaining 15 percent coming from the Department of Development. The study is expected to be completed by March 31, 1999.