$77.2M for Iqaluit airport project in Nunavut budget

The Nunavut Government has released what it expects to spend in the 2015-16 fiscal year, including more than $81 million for Economic Development and Transportation. 

Most of the money slated for that department, which is expected to get the most money in next year's budget, is allocated for the Iqaluit Airport Project with $77.2 million.

In 2012, the federal government announced it would contribute $77 million to the project, which will go towards a new terminal building, expanded aprons for planes to park, new lighting systems and an upgraded runway.

For all its projects next year, the territorial government estimates to spend $205.6 million.

The Department of Education is slated to receive $37.8 million, most of which is set to replace or renovate schools, which includes additional renovations to the high school in Gjoa Haven, as well as a new high school in Repulse Bay.

The territorial government also plans to spend $85,000 to replace the fire hall in Hall Beach, and $80,000 for renovations to the water treatment system in Cambridge Bay.

By region, the most capital dollars are budgeted for the Qikiqtaaluk, at $31.9 million. The largest part of that money, $14 million, is set to replace the health centre in Arctic Bay. The government also plans to replace the health centre in Taloyoak, and put $1.1 million towards the Mental Health Transition House in Rankin Inlet. 

Much of the Family Services money will also go to Rankin Inlet, where the government plans to renovate the adult group home.

The capital budget is not approved until each department reviews it in Committee of the Whole.

That process started Wednesday afternoon.