Flood protection in Lower Austria: 70 projects are in the starting blocks!

Flood protection in Lower Austria: 70 projects are in the starting blocks!

Lower Austria is faced three months after the devastating flood disaster, which began on September 13 and accepted catastrophic dimensions within just five days. Over 500 liters of rain per square meter meant that rivers such as the Pielach, Sierning and Kamp exceeding historical flood limits. This led to the proclamation of the disaster alarm for all of Lower Austria on September 15th. The first review of LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP) shows: "16,000 families have already received help, and a total of around 290 million euros were made available for aid payments." The quick support also includes special hardship cases in which the aids can initially be increased from 50 percent to up to 80 percent, as Katharina Schmid explained by the disaster fund. In addition, it is assured that all hardship cases will be completed before Christmas. The mobilization of 95,000 emergency services is particularly worth mentioning to counter the emergency. "The cohesion was overwhelming," said Pernkopf.

investments in flood protection and drinking water supply

parallel to the ongoing help, the flood protection is expanded with high pressure. According to Pernkopf, 70 projects will be preferred to be better prepared for extreme weather events in the future. The state parliament has decided an additional budget of 60 million euros, which means that numerous projects will be promoted to improve flood protection in the coming months. This is a direct reaction to the catastrophic events of the past few months in which many people have been severely affected.

In addition, massive investments flow into the drinking water supply. As part of a session of the Lower Austrian water management fund, 130 projects were approved to ensure the water supply and wastewater disposal in the long term. A total of 84 million euros will be invested in 54 projects for supplying pure water, as Pernkopf confirmed. These include the renovation of water pipe networks and the expansion of existing water supply systems. These measures are crucial to ensure the water quality and availability in all regions of Lower Austria, especially in view of the challenges that can occur through climatic changes. As ots.at alone were released in grants in order to implement these important projects.