Alicante Provincial Council confirmed its commitment to the shared contract and to the Tourist Municipalities Cooperation Fund. The Generalitat Valenciana contributed 2.6 million euros, a pivotal funding element announced during a regional meeting. The meeting was attended by Javier Gutiérrez, deputy for Infrastructure on behalf of the provincial agency, and María Gómez, head of the Treasury. The two officials emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and transparent administration of resources to benefit coastal and inland communities alike. This update reflects ongoing coordination between provincial authorities and regional government to support local development and tourism infrastructure.
Gutiérrez outlined the intent to explore a subsidy distribution system that aligns with national guidelines while granting municipalities more discretion in how funds are allocated. He underscored that the provincial council seeks a balance between central rules and the practical needs of smaller municipalities, stressing willingness to participate where there is room for meaningful action. The approach aims to empower local councils to prioritize projects that deliver visible benefits for residents and visitors, from road improvements to public amenities that boost tourism and quality of life.
Nevertheless, the regional official noted tensions around several aspects of the fund. The fund’s flexible distribution model presents opportunities for municipalities to shape allocations, a feature that the Municipal Cooperation Fund previously questioned. Gutiérrez described the stance of Toni Such, Managing Director of Local Governments, as challenging to reconcile with the broader goals of commonwealth support and local autonomy. The dialogue highlighted the need for a coherent framework that respects local autonomy while maintaining alignment with national and regional strategies.
Alicante receives a comparatively smaller share of the Cooperative Fund due to differing governance perspectives
At the commission meeting organized by the Generalitat Valenciana for the Tourism Municipalities Cooperation Fund, officials mapped out how the fund would be distributed among municipalities in Alicante. Maria Gómez and Javier Gutiérrez affirmed their respect for the fund’s voluntary participation criteria, which were designed to accommodate assemblies and the autonomy of provincial institutions in shaping distribution criteria for the province’s tourist municipalities. The discussions emphasized a desire to maintain flexibility so councils can tailor allocations to local needs while upholding accountability and transparency in the funding process.
Gutiérrez described the situation as difficult to reconcile with expectations of universal spread across all national funds. He argued that the regional framework is one of the most effective ways to channel subsidies, recognizing the councils’ willingness to comply with agreed criteria. The dialogue suggested that the Municipal Cooperation Fund should not be bound by a one-size-fits-all model but should preserve the freedom for councils to determine how resources reach specific municipalities. This stance points to a broader objective: enabling tailored investment across the province while ensuring fair, transparent governance. The regional administration remains committed to refining the distribution rules so that they reflect local priorities and the diverse needs of Alicante’s towns and towns surrounding the coast. The ultimate aim is to support sustainable tourism development, infrastructure improvements, and community projects that enhance the region’s appeal to both residents and visitors.