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Coal millions in danger: Neumann warns of failed projects!
Mayor Neumann expresses concerns about million-dollar coal projects in Altenburger Land while structural change is being promoted.
Coal millions in danger: Neumann warns of failed projects!
In Altenburg, the coal million dollar projects face major challenges. Mayor André Neumann (CDU) has now made critical comments about the feasibility of numerous projects. As lvz.de reports, Neumann only sees for the Altenburg/Windischleuba industrial park and the Nobitzer project autonomous driving has real opportunities for funding. His skepticism is particularly directed at the other projects applied for, which apparently do not meet the requirements and will therefore have a hard time getting approval.
Among the projects affected are the AWA's Education and Service Center 4.0, the expansion of the tourist infrastructure at Haselbacher See in Meuselwitz, the future incubator at Altenburger Hospitalplatz and a creative center in the former button factory in Schmölln. Neumann made it clear that the chances would falter if no money flowed.
Industrial park with approval and citizen protests
The Altenburg Industrial Park, which has already been approved at the federal level, could represent a ray of hope. But there are hurdles here too: In order to begin development, a project contract is required between the state of Thuringia and the state development company (LEG). Neumann is dissatisfied with the lack of a signature from LEG and hopes that it will be submitted soon.
Another point of concern is the financing of the industrial park. The city is currently unable to raise its own contribution of 8 million euros for the entire project, which costs 50 million euros. There are also protests and a citizens' initiative that is campaigning against the industrial park.
Support through the Investment Act
The Altenburger Land has up to 90 million euros in funding available under the Coal Regions Investment Act (InvKG), as wirtschaft.thueringen.de reports. This part of the Structural Strengthening Act, which actually only came into force in 2020, aims to promote economic growth and support structural change. Regions affected by the coal phase-out in particular should benefit from this.
The federal and state governments have already decided on specific projects in a coordination committee to cushion the effects of structural change. As bmwk.de explains, up to 26 billion euros are planned for the development of these regions by 2038. The aim is to create jobs and support companies in the affected areas.
Nevertheless, the question remains whether the selected projects in Altenburg will have the desired effect and can actually develop the country into an innovative and attractive region. It remains exciting to see how the situation develops and which projects can ultimately be realized.