SuperDARN project is example for the revitalisation of our economy, says Vítor Fraga
The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport praised today the "joint efforts and cooperation between various international, regional and local entities" that have made possible the implementation of the SuperDARN project on Graciosa.
Vítor Fraga spoke at the signing ceremony of the land lease contract for the installation of the infrastructures for this international programme. The government official stressed that, in fact, "this is the path towards development" as "it will only be possible to fully develop our archipelago with the work and commitment of all entities."
The Regional Secretary considered that the implementation of the SuperDARN Project on Graciosa island is another “good example of when we work together towards a common goal, everything becomes easier and everyone can benefit from this effort."
In this case, "it benefits the National Science Foundation of the United States and their associated partners, who will install on Graciosa a new and privileged infrastructure for monitoring and collecting data in order to deepen their knowledge." Furthermore, this project also "benefits the University of the Azores which, being a partner in this project, will have access to the data collected as well as to future collaborations with its U.S. counterpart."
Vítor Fraga also stressed that the project benefits the island of Graciosa" and, subsequently, the Region as it involves an investment of 250 thousand Euros, of which 150 thousand Euros represent local investments, through the construction of infrastructures, lease of land and creation of public infrastructures in the area of telecommunications and energy."
This project will also increase the flow of visitors to Graciosa, thus providing a direct contribution to the revitalisation of the local economy by boosting the hotel and restaurant sectors as well as other services available.
But for Vítor Fraga, "the creation of jobs is probably one of the most important assets for the island," being also a top priority of the Azorean Government."
"These initiatives boost our economy and create conditions for our sustainable economic development. This investment also conveys an important message of confidence to Graciosa entrepreneurs as well as a demonstration of the Regional Government's commitment in the creation of jobs. The Government also calls all agents to involve themselves, to persist and join the Azorean Government so that we may achieve the desired goals," said the government official.
According to Vítor Fraga, this is the only "to reach the broadest consensus possible on the best suited economic policies for the creation of jobs and generation of wealth, thus continuing the path of development followed in recent years, which was also followed by Graciosa as evidenced here."
The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network Project (SuperDARN) is the result of a collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation of the United States, involving four U.S.- based institutions: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Dartmouth, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
This project, which is supported by the Government and the Santa Cruz da Graciosa Town Hall, consists in the installation of chain of ultra high frequency radars at mid-latitudes for the measurement of plasma in the upper atmosphere.