When it comes to the regional light rail system, superlatives are usually not spared. With tomorrow’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, what is often referred to as the “project of the century” will now clear an important hurdle. The decision for the 15a agreement between the federal government and the state of Upper Austria is due to be made on Wednesday and the financing will thus be brought to a dry place.
More on the subject: After a long struggle: State and city agree on light rail financing
This is what the Linz light rail trains look like
In Upper Austria – as reported several times – there was a long struggle for a solution between city and state politicians. The financing agreement between the city and the state was considered a prerequisite for the agreement between the state and the federal government – so for a long time neither there nor there was anything worth mentioning.
At the end of 2023, the state and city, led by Governor Thomas Stelzer (VP) and Linz Mayor Klaus Luger (SP), were finally able to reach an agreement, which also paved the way for a financing agreement between the state and Vienna.
The city’s lid is slamming
As previously confirmed with a declaration of intent, the federal government will cover 50 percent of the costs. However, the cost framework has changed. While the cost estimates for the Linz section were last at 667 million euros, the calculation basis is now a new one at 939 million euros.
The new cost framework is based on more current cost forecasts, and risk allowances and a buffer were also taken into account. One thing is certain: the city of Linz will be able to contribute a maximum of 50 million euros to the project, with the state covering the rest of the costs.
Governor Stelzer is very pleased that the light rail financing will be decided in the Council of Ministers tomorrow. This means that all other necessary decisions could be made before the summer. In addition to the National Council, after the Council of Ministers, the state parliament and the local council must also give their consent; the consent is considered a formality. “The regional light rail is a milestone not only for the central area, but for the whole of Upper Austria. It is absolutely clear that a project of this magnitude requires a lot of discussions and negotiations,” says Stelzer.
For Infrastructure State Councilor Günther Steinkellner (FP), the upcoming Council of Ministers is a historic one and at the same time the destination of a long journey: “Various concepts have been discussed and analyzed for three decades. The upcoming Council of Ministers marks a historic moment for our country and sets the final theoretical milestone. With the important financial commitment, the light rail is entering the actual implementation phase. 30 years of uncertainty are ending and the light rail is finally reaching its goal.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project could take place in 2027 at the earliest, the actual start of construction for the first section between the main station and the university hospitals was last planned for 2028.
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Source: Nachrichten