It was never my recollection...and I would have to confirm whether it was in the public domain. I believe it was in the public domain in the previous government. It was, I think, supported by all parties. But like other announcements by former governments that had not yet gone through the entire approval process, it was something that still had to be considered by the new government. The new government, following its consideration, has determined that this project will go forward. It is formally moving forward, approved by this government, the final step being the appropriation act, one presumes, shortly.
In the meantime, work was going on. Unlike departmental funding, this did require, and does require, a credible group of folks prepared to step up to the plate, take the money, and cause it to be expended appropriately.