July 29, 2010

NOT TOO LATE TO REVERSE CATASTROPHIC DECISION ON LONGER WEST-SIDE BIPOLE III ROUTE: McFADYEN

NDP political interference is wreaking havoc with Manitoba Hydro’s future: McFadyen

 The NDP needs to get out of the way and allow Manitoba Hydro experts to determine the real preferred route for the new BiPole III transmission line, says, Manitoba Progressive Conservatives. 

“The NDP is trying to to build the new hydro transmission line down the longer, more expensive,” said Opposition Leader Hugh McFadyen. “This decision is a prime example of NDP waste and mismanagement.”

  Manitoba Hydro spokesperson Jim Peters told media last week the east side route ‘used to be Hydro’s preferred route” and that the NDP “indicated that they didn’t want us going down the east side.” (Canstar News - 22/07/2010)

 “This political interference could potentially cost the average Manitoba family about $7000 in additional, unnecessary costs,” McFadyen added.

Greg Selinger’s directive to Manitoba Hydro means the transmission line will be 479 kilometres longer, will have a larger environmental footprint, will have increased maintenance cost, and add $1.75 billion to our Hydro bills.

 “This will invariably lead to higher costs for the project, and higher Hydro bills for Manitobans,” McFadyen said.

 The NDP also needs to come clean with the real cost of building BiPole III down the west side. The $2.2 billion public figure is three years old, doesn’t take into account the recently added additional 23 kilometres, the additional towers or jogs in the route. “The original cost estimate is unrealistic,” McFadyen said.

 Building the transmission down the shorter east-side route would shave two years off the project, cost $1.75 billion less, and impact fewer people.

 “It’s not too late for the NDP to reverse their illogical decision, get out of the way, and let the experts decide the best route,” said McFadyen. “Manitoba needs a transmission line built in a timely, cost-efficient way to create prosperity and opportunity for our future generations.”