Ottawa is handing over $4.8 million in gas tax money to help the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District build two new landfills.

The funds will cover a big chunk of the $9.7 million estimated cost of the Forceman Ridge landfill south of Terrace and the new Hazelton landfill.

Nechako Lakes Liberal MLA John Rustad notes projects of this magnitude are often very challenging to tackle at the local level and he says this is a great example of the significant impact the Gas Tax Fund can have on the long-term sustainability of communities.

Government representatives say these projects will create jobs and help protect the environment by building two modern treatment facilities, while closing or converting existing landfills to tranfer stations.

The Gas Tax Fund is administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities in collaboration with the B.C. and federal governments.

Regional District official say the Forceman Ridge Landfill will pose less risk to the environment than the existing Terrace and Thornhill dumps, but some area residents remain concerned about its location southeast of Lakelse Lake.

Detailed design and construction is expected to take two to four years.