The CAO in Chase doesn’t necessarily agree with Kamloops South MLA Todd Stone’s claims that the government has delayed the project to four lane Highway 1 west of Chase by two years.

Joni Heinrich says there have been talks between the Ministry of Transportation and the village to make sure that the project is done right.

“We have been dealing with them for a number of years now, and we are really continuing to put that message forward that you know we have really certain needs for the future of out community and yeah, we want to see those needs met,” she said.

“That takes time. We understand that the ministry wanted to make sure that there was full consultation with our community.”

While speaking to NL News, Stone also said he thinks the project will come in over the proposed $199.2 million budget, but Heinrich points out that’s not something the village has any control over.

She notes that land clearing and brushing work is underway, with water well testing and utility access construction expected to be done soon.

“So it sounds to me like they are proceeding to get everything sort of in preparation for putting that particular section out to tender,” Heinrich added.

The ministry expects the project to go to tender this fall.  Over the three phases, about 12 kilometres of Highway 1 will be four-laned.