Federal states seek 'financial sustainability' from the federal administration for transport infrastructure development - States demand increased financial support for transport infrastructure development
In a recent development, the Transport Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Oliver Krischer from the Greens, has demanded a discussion with the federal government regarding the special transport ministers' conference. The conference is scheduled to discuss the issue of infrastructure maintenance and the federal government's handling of the special fund, worth 500 billion euros according to the government.
Krischer has expressed concern over the federal government's credibility regarding the infrastructure maintenance special fund, questioning whether it is just empty words. He emphasized the need for sufficient funds to reduce the maintenance backlog and criticized the federal government for stopping more than 40 measures on motorways and federal roads.
The German federal government established the special fund, known as "Sondervermögen," starting in 2025. Over a period of 12 years, this fund will be used for additional credit-financed investments in infrastructure and achieving climate neutrality by 2045. The fund divides into three pillars: 100 billion euros for states and municipalities, 100 billion euros for the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), and 300 billion euros for additional federal investments, supporting projects such as roads, bridges, digital infrastructure, schools, hospitals, renewable energies, and hydrogen economy expansion.
Krischer's demand for a discussion comes amidst confusion over the development of stopping infrastructure maintenance measures with the 500 billion euro special fund. He stated that this situation is about the federal government's credibility and expressed his concern over the lack of progress in maintaining and improving the country's infrastructure.
The special transport ministers' conference, intended to address these concerns, is expected to shed light on the federal government's plans and strategies for the infrastructure maintenance special fund. The conference will provide an opportunity for the federal government and state governments to collaborate and ensure the successful implementation of the special fund.
