Amid controversy over PSOE’s transfers to independence groups in Catalonia to secure the appointment of Pedro Sánchez and its repercussions for the distribution of one of the provinces to the rest of the autonomous communities, the biggest concern about what happens next is that of Alicante. And the central government’s pending accounts regarding this region are many, and the amount of investment deficit accumulated in transportation infrastructure projects in the last 15 years is at least 4,000 million; This reinforced the mobility problems of both passengers. The challenge before the renewed Executive is, therefore, no small, for it is the province’s expectation that it will endeavor to rectify this situation, beginning with twelve acts deemed entirely necessary; these include: railway connection with the airport and the third lane of the A-70 highway between Alicante and ElcheFor example.
The province of Alicante was for a long time largely forgotten in the General State Budgets, regardless of the political color of the Government in power. A reality that has become more acute in the last two years until it reaches its maximum expression, This region is a red light when it comes to investment.This caused social and political actors to take action. The situation is so serious that, according to studies conducted by the Alicante State (Ineca) Institute of Economic Research, the investment deficit accumulated since 2008 is around 4 billion euros, taking into account the population weight. An event that has direct consequences on the state of infrastructures under the Central Government.
Therefore, the new Sánchez Government, which took office this week, has a difficult task ahead of it if its intention is to at least begin to correct this situation. AND Given the controversy created by the agreements with the independence supporters, the panorama painted going forward is uncertain, to say the least.. And the fact is that while the PP condemns that transfers to Catalonia will reduce investments in the remaining autonomous communities, the PSOE ensures that the benefits provided to the Catalans are transferred to other regions, starting with the pardon of part of the Catalans. reducing debt and continuing to improve the financing system in the Community.
Evidence of the level of tension reached was seen last Wednesday at the plenary meeting of the Valencian Cortes regarding the amnesty, attended by the president of the Generalitat. Carlos Mazón showed his fear of the possibility of receiving what he described as the “crumbs” of those remaining in Catalonia.Socialist Rebeca Torró claimed that the Valencian Community would benefit from these agreements. In fact, both PSOE and Sumar underlined that the Government agreements cover different investments related to the improvement of communications for the province of Alicante and, in particular, the Cercanías railway network. Also train connection to the airport.
The progress of the legislature will give and eliminate justifications. Meanwhile, the province of Alicante is one of the provinces that awaits with the greatest expectation what will happen in the coming months and always demands that the investments that are considered priority be addressed at least.
In this regard, a study carried out by Ineca last February with the support of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV) and the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, which includes the necessary infrastructures for growth, is still largely valid. and to help this region achieve a level of competitiveness similar to other provinces.
In the said study, 11 actions are proposed, which will cost approximately 2,000 million euros, 1,500 million for railways and 500 million for highways.. To these, another demand has been added, which CEV has recently formulated, such as the construction of a second runway at the airport, the cost of which has not yet been determined.
The report, prepared for the purpose of reaching an agreement with the Ministry of Transport and as a reference for the periodic monitoring of state investments within the scope of the 2030 horizon, suggested not only direct contributions, but also both deadlines and possible financing methods. In addition to benefiting from General Budgets from public administrations, there are also possible options for public-private participation as a complementary formula for mobilizing the necessary investments.
It is true that some progress has been made since the time of presentation -albeit timidly- in preparing projects and entering into work tenders, although it is still in the implementation phase. The projects requested from the central government along with their budgets are as follows:
Third lane Alicante-Elche
255 million euros
The third lane of the A-70 motorway between Alicante and Elche is an infrastructure deemed necessary to avoid traffic congestion. The cost of the action is 255 million euros.
Improvement of A-31
154 million euros
Another priority action is the improvement of the A-31 motorway between Villena and Alicante in order to avoid the high accident rate recorded in this section. The previous president of the Generalitat, socialist Ximo Puig, even committed to providing funds for this action when negotiating with the central government. The amount of investment is 154 million euros.
Third lane Crevillent-Murcia
120 million euros
There is also a request to build a third lane on the A-7 motorway between Crevillent and Murcia for 120 million. A project to improve traffic flow, yes, it is in the awarding phase.
UA roundabout underpass
19 million euros
The report also recommends the creation of an underpass at the University of Alicante (UA) roundabout, which will also connect to the Science Park, in order to increase the safety and fluidity of circulation at this busy communications intersection. The estimated budget is 19 million euros.
Torrevieja variant
40 million euros
The widening of the Torrevieja ring road is one of the most requested actions, especially due to the delays recorded during the summer season. The amount of the action is 40 million euros.
coast train
630 million euros
In the railway infrastructure department, emphasis is placed on the running of the coastal train between Alicante and Benidorm, following the Generalitat’s takeover of the Dénia-Gandia section. The amount of work is 630 million.
Airport connection
505 million euros
The other major and most demanded railway project is the improvement of the Alicante-Elche-Murcia line, which also includes the airport connection. This is an action that costs 505 million euros and will have a vital impact, above all, on the tourism sector.
Improvement of the Alcoy-Xàtiva train
145 million euros
The document also includes the modernization of the train connecting Alcoy to Xativa; This is a project that has been desired for a long time, has a budget of 145 million dollars and is currently in the tender stage.
Mediterranean Corridor
152 million euros
The business community demands that the Port of Alicante be connected to the dry ports activated in the Mediterranean Corridor in the Vinalopó region, with an investment of 152 million dollars.
AVE Alicante-Valencia
24 million euros
Another of the requested actions is the AVE, which is under construction between Alicante and Valencia and for which 24 million is requested.
Pier 19 of the Port
Not rated
The report also includes the construction of the 19th berth of the Port of Alicante in order to increase the transportation of goods by sea.
The airport’s second runway
Not rated
The demands part is completed with the construction of a second runway at the airport in order to increase aircraft traffic.
Businessmen fear extension of General Budgets could prolong drought in funding arrivals next year
Businessmen fear that an expansion of the General State Budget as a result of the delay in the formation of the new Government could continue the exclusion that the Alicante province suffers from in terms of investments. Salvador Navarro, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV), points out that there is almost no financial time to prepare new budgets, but adds that if it is decided to extend the budgets: “We are counting on that from now on.” “Under pressure from different political parties, businessmen and society in general, appropriate changes are being made to ensure that projects deemed priority can be implemented.” Salvador Navarro likewise emphasizes that after the paralysis of recent months, “we will continue negotiations with the new Executive.”
Joaquín Pérez, president of CEV Alicante, expresses himself in similar terms, calling for urgent measures affecting, above all, the airport.
Javier Gisbert, President of the Federation of Public Works of the Province of Alicante (FOPA), does not hide his fear that the lack of investment will continue. “If we were last by now, we will continue to be with extension,” he laments.
Julián López Milla, professor at the Department of Applied Economic Analysis at the University of Alicante (UA), emphasizes that investment is vital for the economic growth and employment of the province and said, “we need to have access” on this basis. major transportation infrastructures. However, he also underlines that the alleged projects will not only benefit this region, but are actions that will affect the general interests of the country and contribute to its development.