Public Notice
Highway 947 Extension Project - Public Comments Invited

April 17, 2014 - As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Highway 947 Extension Project, located in north-central Alberta. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

Alberta Transportation proposes to construct and operate an extension of Highway 947 in north-central Alberta, from Highway 16 to the Athabasca River Bridge. The proposed Highway 947 Extension Project would be a 2-lane all-season highway, predominantly located on a new right-of-way and 69.2 kilometres long. The new north-south highway would begin about 10 kilometres west of Edson on Highway 16, and end at the Athabasca River Bridge, south of Highway 43 between Fox Creek and Whitecourt, Alberta.

Written comments must be submitted by May 7, 2014 to:

Highway 947 Extension Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
425-10115 100A Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2W2
Telephone: 780-495-2037
Fax: 780-495-2876
Hwy947-Rte947@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Map depicting the location of the project, as described in the current document.

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (Registry reference number 80066). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post a decision on its website stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines for non-compliance.

Document Reference Number: 2

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