Nunavut communities waiting for marine infrastructure are going to have to wait some more.

The federal government has made $2.2 million available for the Government of Nunavut to undertake a study of community needs this year, Economic Development Minister David Akeeagok announced in the legislative assembly in late February.

SA国际影视传媒淭his work will set the stage for future marine infrastructure projects, such as the creation or expansion of breakwaters, dedicated laydown areas, ramps, secure fencing, lighting, and small craft launching and unloading zones,SA国际影视传媒� Akeeagok said.

Aggu MLA Paul Quassa expressed exasperation that the GN hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 already prioritized marine infrastructure across the territory.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think we all know, for those of us who live in the communities, that there doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 really need to be a detailed study done,SA国际影视传媒� said Quassa. SA国际影视传媒淲e know what the community needs and what has to be done with regard to marine infrastructure.SA国际影视传媒�

Akeeagok acknowledged that some communities already have a marine infrastructure needs plan, SA国际影视传媒渂ut some of them are kind of old so we will update them.SA国际影视传媒� He added that recent soil erosion along the coastline is another factor to be considered.

SA国际影视传媒淲e have to look at the depth of the ocean, the bedrock and so on in order to build proper infrastructure,SA国际影视传媒� the minister said.

Quassa replied that thereSA国际影视传媒檚 a known need for a breakwater in Hall Beach.

SA国际影视传媒淚 just want to see some tangible assets being built in the communities,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Hall Beach Mayor Jaypetee Audlakiak can attest to the urgency for a barrier to prevent pounding Arctic waters from damaging local boats and other equipment that hunters leave on shore.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檒l be just waiting for the time when they could start that breakwater,SA国际影视传媒� the mayor said. SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檝e been bringing that item up every year.SA国际影视传媒�

Originally from Qikiqtarjuaq, Audlakiak said heSA国际影视传媒檚 seen the difference a breakwater has made in that community.

He added that heSA国际影视传媒檒l be attending a mayorsSA国际影视传媒� conference in a few weeks and he plans to raise the issue once again.

Akeeagok also announced $2.5 million will be used from the federal Oceans Protection Plan to install 70-tonne mooring posts to support fuel resupply in Arviat, Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung, Sanikiluaq and Taloyoak.

The major marine infrastructure projects on the books for the GN last year were construction of a $72-million deep-sea port and improvements to the small-craft harbour in Iqauit SA国际影视传媒� which included a fixed wharf and almost 10 acres of area for loading and unloading cargo SA国际影视传媒� as well as a small-craft harbour in Pond Inlet that carried an estimated price tag of $33 million.