Nations seek designated finances for infrastructure development, encompassing roadways, bridges, and railways.
According to the transport ministers from various German states, substantial investments are planned for improving the country's infrastructure. They're advocating for a dedicated federal fund to support this endeavor. However, a key figure is absent from the conference and hasn't provided the requested concept as per his colleagues' request.
The transport ministers aim to establish a multibillion-euro plan for addressing the frequent deterioration of roads, bridges, and railways before the next federal election. To accomplish this, they've proposed setting up an interstate commission to develop a legally sound infrastructure fund concept right away. This decision stems from a consensus reached at the transport ministers' conference in Duisburg, as reported by the German Press Agency. This commission will also involve the federal government. The commission will immediately begin working on this concept.
The resolution stresses the need to present "a well-balanced and future-oriented fund model" to the decision-makers in the upcoming legislative period. Without a strategic shift, further decay is expected, and the likelihood of adverse events will increase, it notes.
Federal Minister of Transport Volker Wissing from the FDP had proposed an infrastructure fund earlier. Unfortunately, he couldn't attend the transport ministers' conference. His absence was regretted, as he hadn't provided the requested concept by their autumn conference, as per the states' request. A "refresh" in infrastructure financing and subsequently establishing an infrastructure fund for transportation is crucial, it was further stated.
The interstate commission, involving the federal government, will be responsible for developing a legally sound infrastructure fund concept, as advocated by the transport ministers. The absence of Federal Minister of Transport Volker Wissing from the commission might delay the presentation of a well-balanced and future-oriented fund model to the decision-makers.
