The Carinthian state government has decided on a special budget for the expansion of cycle paths. Two million euros will be made available for this. The aim is to accelerate the implementation of supra-regional cycling projects, which are often delayed due to the legally required co-financing by the municipalities. The third of the municipality, which is currently presenting the municipalities with major challenges, should now be bridged with the additional financing.
“With the additional two million euros, we will be able to relieve communities of the financial burden and implement important cycle path projects for the regions more quickly or get them on track,” says road construction officer, deputy state governor Martin Gruber (ÖVP).
Drau cycle path has priority
The funds will be earmarked for several nationwide projects that are planned or implemented in 2024. “One of the most important projects for us is the Drau cycle path, which is due for general renovation,” says tourism officer, State Councilor Sebastian Schuschnig (ÖVP). 1.2 million euros of the special budget will flow into this measure alone, which will be implemented in stages.
The special budget is intended to be a basis for the 2025 pre-season offensive planned by the tourism department. “We have great potential in the area of cycle tourism, especially in the early and late season, which we would like to exploit,” says Schuschnig. The new funding call to strengthen the 2025 pre-season will focus on the topic of cycling. 250,000 euros will be made available for this in 2025.
