7.6 million euros for Liezen: communities benefit from new funds!

7.6 million euros for Liezen: communities benefit from new funds!

The federal government has put together a significant package to provide financial support for communities, which is also of great relevance for the Liezen district. A total of almost 900 million euros is available across Austria, of which 7.6 million euros are earmarked specifically for the municipalities in the Liezen district. ÖVP State Secretary Barbara Eibinger-Miedl emphasized that although this is not new money, the collection and flexible use of funds that have already been promised will be significantly simplified.

Particularly noteworthy are the measures supported by the municipal investment program. Manuela Khom, state party leader and deputy state governor, emphasized the importance of de-bureaucratization, which particularly benefits smaller communities. The funds are transferred without an application and the municipalities no longer have to co-finance, which significantly reduces the financing burden.

Supported projects and measures

The funds provided will be invested in various key areas that are of great importance for the local infrastructure. This includes:

• Sanierungen von gemeindeeigenen Gebäuden wie Schulen und Kindergärten
• Ausbau der Ladeinfrastruktur für E-Mobilität
• Instandhaltung und Verbesserung von Rad- und Fußwegen
• Errichtung und Sanierung von Einrichtungen für Senioren und Menschen mit Behinderungen
• Errichtung und Sanierung von Sportstätten und Freizeitanlagen

District party chairman Armin Forstner emphasizes the essential role of communities in providing services and creating regional jobs. This support is particularly important in times of tight budget situations for the federal, state and local governments.

Financial resources for the future

In addition to the above-mentioned 7.6 million euros in the Liezen district, an average annual additional distribution of around 2.4 billion euros is expected from the federal government to the states and municipalities by 2028. This massive financial leeway makes it possible to push ahead with large projects in the areas of child care, nursing, health, housing and renovations. In June of this year, 1.1 billion euros from the future fund were earmarked for these areas.

Another important element of the new municipal package is the promotion of the digital transition in the municipalities, which will be funded with a total of 120 million euros over four years. Municipalities receive support in setting up their own registration offices or digital contacts.

The federal government has recognized that the municipalities' liquidity is at risk due to stagnating revenue shares and lower income from property transfer tax. The existing co-financing regulations have therefore been revised. The federal government's share of financial support increases from 50% to 80%, while the municipality's share is reduced to 20%.

Overall, an outlook of more than 1.3 billion euros for Austrian municipalities and cities is clear, of which 920 million euros represent fresh funds. Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Finance Minister Magnus Brunner once again emphasized the importance of this financial support for the communities.