Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Signs New Low-Level Bridge Agreements
Ohiari:ha / June 12, 2009
AKWESASNE, ONTARIO — The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) announced that it has consulted and received approval from Akwesasne community members to sign several agreements related to a new low-level bridge for the Three Nations Bridge Crossing. A Cooperation and Land Use Agreement was signed with Enbridge subsidiary Niagara Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL). MCA has also concluded a Bridge Construction Agreement and Three Nations Bridge Crossing Agreement in Principle with the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited.
The agreements resulted from good faith negotiations and pave the way for the current high-level bridge between Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island) and the City of Cornwall to be replaced. It will be a safe, more efficient bridge crossing that will generate significant economic opportunities for Akwesasne and surrounding communities.
During the signing ceremony, MCA Grand Chief Tim Thompson stated that, “These agreements represent a milestone in our relationship with the Federal Bridge Corporation and Niagara Gas Transmission and demonstrate our commitment to working together.” He noted that these historic agreements are based on the desire of all the parties to achieve and maintain peaceful and respectful relationships.
In response to the amount of time that it has taken for the agreements to be reached, the Grand Chief Thompson noted, “These agreements were not easy to achieve. In fact, it took years to complete a harmonized environmental assessment, conduct community consultations, and have respectful negotiations. They come from the determination of all the parties and their commitment to arrive at suitable agreements that would be acceptable to us all.”
Through the Bridge Construction Agreement, the Federal Bridge Corporation will be responsible for the construction of a new low-level bridge and the removal of the old bridge structure. During this multi-year process, the FBCL will insure economic benefits for the Mohawks of Akwesasne by procuring and utilizing the Akwesasne labor force, contractors and businesses.
The Three Nations Bridge Crossing Agreement in Principle between MCA and the FBCL will provide the framework for future negotiations on the other projects envisioned for the International Corridor on Kawehnoke. The AIP reaffirms both parties’ commitment to have future discussion on several corridor components; such as toll collection, intersections, an Akwesasne Mohawk Police Station, and other potential projects.
With Niagara Gas Transmission Limited, the Cooperation and Land Use Agreement provides the foundation of an ongoing relationship with NGTL that will contribute to long-term economic opportunities, social and community development, employment opportunities, education, training, and other programs.
In closing, the Grand Chief stated, “We are pleased to celebrate the conclusion of years of fruitful negotiation and we are pleased that we can now gain the benefits of our diligent and profitable work. These agreements were all built on good foundations and it is our intention that this will form the basis of our future ongoing relationship together.”
