Dunderdale awaits PM's answer on Lower Churchill

Newfoundland Premier Kathy Dunderdale expects an answer in the next few weeks on whether Ottawa will support the Lower Churchill hydroelectric megaproject.

The province and Nova Scotia have asked Ottawa for loan guarantees that could help shave hundreds of millions of dollars off the $6.2-billion project at Muskrat Falls.

Dunderdale said provincial and federal officials are exchanging information on the deal.

The project to harness power from Muskrat Falls in Labrador has been billed as one of the largest green projects of its kind in North America.

But Prime Minister Stephen Harper wasn't making any promises when he visited St. John's 10 days ago.

He said the government would look closely at the project but needed more details.

Dunderdale said the venture would boost Harper's environmental record and the project will go ahead with or without Ottawa's help.