Landtag treats flood damage: 548 million euros for Lower Austria
Landtag treats flood damage: 548 million euros for Lower Austria
The latest state session in Lower Austria, which took place on November 21, brought significant financial decisions. The focus was on a supplementary estimate of 548 million euros. This is not just a column of numbers, but a necessity to fix the far -reaching damage to the devastating flood from mid -September that affected numerous communities.
Lower Austria experienced one of the worst flood disasters in recent years in the days between the 13th and 20th September 2023. Originally 24 villages were declared disaster areas, followed by another 18 the following day. A total of over 425 municipalities were affected, with damage to more than 20,000 objects. Tragically, the flood cost five lives and led to numerous injured and extensive evacuations.financial support and restoration
The Lower Austrian Landtag approved the increase in payments to up to 600 million euros on October 24, given the massive economic damage that the flood left. This includes not only direct damage to houses and infrastructure, but also the failure of drinking water and energy supply as well as difficulties in wastewater disposal.
The use of the funds provided is comprehensive: the funds are used for expert opinions, repairs in schools and kindergartens, as well as the purchase of flood protection elements and pumps. In addition, subsidies for cultural institutions and care facilities are on the agenda to support the community.
An important point of the session was also the reduction of the burden for affected community associations. St. Pölten-Land, for example, will receive up to 1.0 million euros for 2024 and up to 3.1 million euros for 2025, which should help the municipalities to make the financial consequences of the catastrophe milder.
Receive the infrastructure
A significant part of the budget is also used for the restoration of state roads and bridges. The damage in the area of the settlement water industry is estimated at an impressive 55 million euros, with 6.5 million euros in funding. The restoration of the infrastructure is an essential measure to regain the quality of life in the affected areas.
The grandiose sums also flow into the repair of insenses that are broken, as well as the destruction of bulky waste that has been incurred by the floods. This huge amount of waste is about 70 percent of the average annual quantity.
Another central point of the session was the introduction of a new law for hospital doctors. In cooperation with various institutions, the responsible board of the state health agency is to create a flexible solution for the remuneration of hospital doctors. At the same time, suggestions for the continuation of the conversion surcharge for 2024 and 2025 are discussed.
In addition, the Lower Austrian municipal code, the Lower Austrian City Rights Organization Act and the Lower Austria Hospital Act are advised. The session ended with a view of upcoming reports on sports and social topics as well as the renaturation that are closely linked to the flood damage.
For more information on the specific measures and the upcoming projects, reference is made to further reports, including the flood disaster and their consequences in the region according to information from www.meinbezirk.at .