Plan and Budget increase investment in transport and public works, reveals Ana Cunha
The Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works stated in Horta that the Regional Plan and Budget for Transport provides for an increase of 3% over 2017 and a further increase of 2% in Public Works.
In the area of transport, public works and information and communication technologies, the plan provides for an overall investment of 151,109,581 Euros. This amount is divided into these areas: 86.5 million Euros for transport and 56.2 million Euros for public works and information and communication technologies.
"In the transport sector, the proposal for the 2018 Plan estimates an investment of 2,233,024, that is, 3% higher compared to 2017. It should be noted that the Budget component of the Regional Budget component, including Community funds, grows 17% over 2017 with an increase of 9,606,187 Euros," said Ana Cunha. She spoke at the Legislative Assembly during the discussion of the proposals for the 2018 Plan and Budget.
There are operational and safety interventions planned for airport infrastructures, namely the grooving of Pico Airport runway, the construction of the new control tower and the launch of the tender for the construction of the new air terminal of Graciosa Aerodrome.
It is also includes the conclusion of the resurfacing works of the runway and the construction of the apron of Corvo Aerodrome as well as the launch of the tender for the construction of the fire station and expansion of the air terminal.
As for maritime transport, the Government plans to conclude the procedures for the acquisition of the new vessel for the inter-island transport, whose opening notice was recently published in the Official Gazette.
In terms of port infrastructures, the plan includes the conclusion of the works in Casa, Poças, Velas and Ponta Delgada ports. The Government will begin the works to repair the damages in Madalena Port and launch the contract works for the redevelopment of Horta Port, the improvement of Ponta Delgada Port and the construction of a Roll on/Roll off ramp in Pipas Port.
Furthermore, the plan includes the conduction of studies on the passenger terminal of São Roque do Pico and on Praia da Vitória Port as an international logistics platform.
There are also some adjustments to be introduced, "as far as possible, in air and maritime transport, namely in terms of supply and demand," said Ana Cunha.
As for inland transport, the Government will continue to ensure various public transport benefits (such as the social pass, among others). In this regard, the Regional Secretary highlighted the "study on the implementation of a digital taximeter system."
With regard to public works and information and communication technologies, the Plan and the Budget provides for an investment over 56.2 million Euros, representing an increase of about 1.2 million Euros, i.e., 2% compared to 2017.
The Government will invest more than 33.4 million Euros in the Regional Road Network, which includes the multiannual investment of toll-free Roads (SCUT) and the project to improve accessibility between Furnas and Povoação.
"The plan also intends to promote economic, social and territorial development and cohesion, while continuing to invest in inland logistics circuits to support development," said Ana Cunha. She pointed out the investment of 13.5 million Euros in the improvement and rehabilitation of roads throughout the Region.
There are planned interventions for a 1,400-kilometre extension of the regional road network, covering the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Graciosa, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo.
The Government will also invest in Development Support Inland Logistics Circuits on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Flores and Corvo.
In addition, the Plan provides for improvements in areas of tourist interest with an investment of about 1.4 million Euros in the landscape integration and enhancement of areas adjacent to the Regional Road Network, representing an increase of 845 thousand Euros compared to 2017.
In this area, we will also highlight the redevelopment of Lagoa do Fogo and Vista do Rei viewpoints on São Miguel and the construction of a car park near Silveira beach area on Terceira Island.
"I believe that, through this Plan, we will be able to respond to challenges and opportunities," said Ana Cunha.