Allgäu on the move: 500 billion for dilapidated bridges and schools!

Allgäu on the move: 500 billion for dilapidated bridges and schools!

The infrastructure in Germany is in an alarming condition. In response to the serious deficiencies, the political union made up of the CDU, SPD and Greens have set up a special fund worth 500 billion euros. The aim of this special fund is the comprehensive renovation of roads, bridges and school buildings throughout Germany. Large projects are to be initiated, particularly in the Allgäu, but these are associated with high costs. These developments are urgent because dilapidated buildings endanger both the safety and quality of life of the population.

As part of this special investment program, the simulation games for the 2025 budget in Oberstdorf were also fleshed out. The Oberstdorf market has approved a total budget of over 117 million euros, with a direct core budget of 60 million euros. The rest of the budget goes to our own businesses, including the Oberstdorf Municipal Works (GWO), the sports facilities and Oberstdorf Tourism. Oberstdorf plans to invest over 20 million euros in the infrastructure, which includes schools, roads and bridges.

Priority projects and investments

A key infrastructural project includes converting street lighting to LED technology, for which an investment of almost 1 million euros is planned. In addition, sustainable projects such as the construction of photovoltaic systems should be implemented. These measures reflect the growing need for environmentally responsible and cost-effective solutions in the public sector.

Compared to the 2024 budget, which had a volume of over 120 million euros, the budget for 2025 is on a solid track. However, some financial challenges must be addressed. In 2024, a loan of around 1.7 million euros was taken out. The economic plans for our own companies, such as the municipal utilities (EVO, WVO, KDO), show predominantly balanced budgets. A downside, however, is the KDO, which is financially weaker and is heavily dependent on the core budget.

Challenges in the sports sector

Another focus is on the spa businesses, which expect a loss of around 650,000 euros due to the upcoming opening of the thermal baths in December 2025. The preparation costs for the thermal baths amount to around 1 million euros. Investments are also planned in the ice rink, including replacing the entire refrigeration system, renovating the windows and improving the changing areas. The cost of this refrigeration system could reach up to 2 million euros.

There are also additional uncertainties regarding the sports sector, with a loss of around 1.3 million euros being forecast. However, support from the Free State of Bavaria and the federal government for sports bases could cover up to 60% of the total costs and would therefore be a necessary relief for the municipality.

In summary, the Allgäuer Zeitung service station presents a stringent plan to restore and modernize the dilapidated infrastructure. Such efforts are essential to ensure a safe and functioning environment for citizens. At the regional level, targeted investments in Oberstdorf are aimed at long-term solutions that take into account both the economic and social aspects of the community.