“The projects put on the table by the Ministry of Finance are only for state roads worth approximately 1.3 billion. for the amount of euros. What would make it possible to basically improve the entire condition, to solve the issues of bridges, viaducts and the like”, M. Skuodis told Žinių radio on Thursday.
“To improve the situation (…) much, much more funding is needed and it will be the responsibility of all politicians to decide,” said the minister.
According to him, the condition of the roads is currently stabilized, but in order for it not to deteriorate, additional actions and faster improvement works are needed.
“We are finishing rooting out the main evils of the big projects (Via Baltica, Utena highway, Vilnius-Kaunas – BNS highway),” said the minister.
“We will see in the future what the state’s opportunities will be in terms of additional income and the like,” he said.
In addition, according to the minister, it should be discussed whether the state-run company “Via Lietuva” might receive direct income, instead of being financed through the budget.
“And maybe a part of the excise duty and various fees. If it goes directly to the company, then there are various spaces to talk regarding funds and the like. Now that all tolls go to the budget, however, it creates circumstances that we have to negotiate the road budget every year,” said M. Skuodis.
He said that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has almost prepared a direct offer, a financing offer for Via Lietuvos, which would give the company more room to manage its financial flows and borrow.
According to M.Skuodis, in 2023 “Via Lietuva” used all the funds allocated to it for the first time, and this year there is a shortfall of 60 million for the works. euros.
“Minus 60 million euros, depending on the amount of work we carry out. And we cannot not implement them because of some bridges and viaducts,” said the minister.
M. Skuodis also said that it is possible that additional funding might be provided this year.
872 million has been allocated for roads this year. euros. According to the law, 67 percent of the funding allocated from the Road Maintenance and Development Program. are of national significance, 33 percent. – for local roads.
In March, “Via Lietuva” announced that in 2024-2027, it will invest more than 1.7 billion in the development and renovation of roads of state importance. euros.
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2024-07-06 18:04:10
