by InTrieste
In a decisive vote early Friday morning, the regional council approved a landmark summer budget adjustment for 2024-2026, marking the largest financial maneuver in the region’s history with an unprecedented allocation of 1.348 billion euros. The approval came despite opposition objections, which were voiced as the vote concluded around 5 a.m.
The budget, which integrates funds across various sectors, aims to drive extensive development and investment throughout the region. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas affected:
Economic Development and Industry
A significant portion of the budget is earmarked for industrial development. Cosef, a major industrial consortium, will receive 20 million euros to restore the Punta Sud area and an additional 300 thousand euros for a feasibility study on the former Montecatini site. The Ponte Rosso-Tagliamento Consortium is allocated 20 million euros to build a dual water distribution network. Other notable allocations include 15 million euros for railway infrastructure in Trieste and 1.5 million euros for renovating the former Ezit building.
Additional funding includes 48.5 million euros for revolving funds managed by Frie and 3.5 million euros in incentives for industrial businesses. The Cata fund for artisans will see a 7 million euro increase, while another 10 million euros are set aside for regional settlement contracts. Support extends to various sectors including 2 million euros for wood furniture and mechanical engineering clusters, 1 million euros for local retail businesses, and 500 thousand euros for trade district development.
Tourism Boost
In an effort to enhance tourism, 16 million euros are designated for municipalities in ski areas to establish accommodation facilities and convert properties. The tourism sector will also benefit from nearly 1.8 million euros in support for businesses and public establishments. Additionally, 500 thousand euros are allocated to bolster furnished tourist accommodation.
A special amendment provides 2.5 million euros to Lignano Sabbiadoro for reconstructing the Red Lighthouse pier and 2 million euros for the Sea Park of Trieste. The budget for Councillor Sergio Emidio Bini, overseeing both productive activities and tourism, now approaches 200 million euros, surpassing 400 million euros for the year.
Agricultural Support
The agricultural sector sees a substantial increase, with 62 million euros allocated to revolving funds. Another 14 million euros are set aside for photovoltaic systems. Support for beekeepers affected by poor production and hive mortality includes 1.7 million euros. Additional allocations include 3 million euros to facilitate access to credit for agricultural businesses and 2 million euros to boost the regional emergency fund for agriculture. Other funding includes 1.1 million euros for mountain territory contributions and 1 million euros for forestry road infrastructure.
Environmental Initiatives
The budget allocates 27.7 million euros to combat hydrogeological instability. Efforts to remove asbestos will receive 4.4 million euros, while 4 million euros are allocated for renewable energy communities. Additional funds include 1.6 million euros for urban green spaces and 1 million euros for public sewage network connections.
In a move to address hydroelectric impacts, 15 million euros are being directed to municipalities, with allocations of 6.3 million euros to Carnia, 5.1 million euros to Valcellina, and 3.4 million euros to Val Meduna. Other environmental amendments include 1 million euros for Lake Cavazzo restoration and 2 million euros for coastal protection at Barcola (Trieste).
Infrastructure Investments
Education and infrastructure are major beneficiaries of the new budget. A total of 22.8 million euros is allocated for schools and early childhood education. Vulnerable populations will receive 14 million euros, including 8 million euros for rent support and 6 million euros to Ater for social policy costs. Additionally, 9 million euros are allocated to support mobility related to the GO!2025 initiative, with 1 million euros reserved for the regional airport.
A significant amendment introduces 50 million euros for redeveloping private real estate. Funds are also allocated to municipalities affected by the 1976 earthquake, totaling nearly 3 million euros. Other provisions include 9 million euros for underused real estate and 2.2 million euros for religious entities’ renovation projects. The total budget available to Councillor Cristina Amirante reaches 318 million euros.
Cultural and Sports Funding
Cultural initiatives receive a boost with over 3.9 million euros allocated for restoring cultural heritage. The theater sector benefits from 1.5 million euros, while 4.2 million euros are directed to the Its Academy of Fashion.
Sports facilities will see 11 million euros in funding, with an additional 2 million euros for recreational areas. The budget includes 3 million euros for regional velodromes and 1 million euros for stadiums. The total available to Vice President Mario Anzil for Culture and Sport exceeds 75 million euros.
Support for Families and Education
One of the most substantial allocations includes 45 million euros for low-income retirees in Fvg, providing a one-time annual subsidy. The Dote family measure will receive an additional 7 million euros. Additional funds include 3.5 million euros for agreements between the Region and the Regional School Office and 1.3 million euros for defensive solidarity contracts. Nursery school managers will receive more than 1.6 million euros to reduce fees. The budget available to Councillor Alessia Rosolen is 65 million euros.
Healthcare Enhancements
The budget includes 40 million euros for the Regional Health Fund, with municipalities receiving an additional 3 million euros for social and health services. Amendments will support various municipalities in adapting facilities for social and health functions, and 100 new beds will be added to accredited elderly care facilities. Overall, Councillor Riccardo Riccardi’s budget for healthcare totals 175 million euros.
Local Authorities and Infrastructure
The Municipal Fund will increase by 60 million euros over three years, with an additional 27 million euros for municipalities losing the ability to charge municipal surtax on boarding rights. Security funding totals more than 15 million euros, with another 4.2 million euros for collective bargaining. Project financing programs receive 50 million euros, including 20 million euros for work on Udine’s Carnera sports hall. The municipality of Trieste is allocated 5 million euros for a rehabilitation pool and 3.7 million euros for pool renovations.
Real Estate and Finance
The adjustment includes 10 million euros for redeveloping Porto Vecchio in Trieste and 3.1 million euros for purchasing software related to the Regional Information System. An additional 10 million euros will support weatherproofing residential properties. A notable amendment allocates 1.5 million euros for purchasing the former Bank of Italy building in Gorizia, while 6 million euros are designated for broadband connectivity infrastructure.
The most significant financial allocation is 95 million euros for the Alto Adriatico Motorway Company. The new law increases advance payments for local authorities related to PNRR and FNC works from 30% to 50%, benefiting municipalities with over 30,000 residents, and adds 12 million euros to the existing 7 million euros allocated for this purpose.
