“The payment of euro support moving at a rapid pace, regardless of the fact that environmental projects are frequently complicated and require in-depth preparation. In 2012 and 2013 the most intensive construction is taking place involving clean water projects. Then we will finally begin reaching the point where large drinking water problems have been solved,” said Minster of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus. “We have invested a total of EUR 425 million in the construction of clean drinking water and sewerage systems. We also contribute seriously so that our nature conservation areas are beautifully maintained and visitor friendly, and the level of environmental education continues to improve,” explained Pentus-Rosimannus. Broken down by counties, the most money has been directed to Harju County, with a total of EUR 152 million. There are currently 45 projects underway, including investing in the water economies of Kiili, Saku, Harku as well as Maardu and the restoration of the infrastructure at Lahemaa National Park. Another large part of the support, EUR 124 million, was grabbed by Ida-Viru County, the environmental protection and restoration of which requires special attention. One of the most important projects is the shutting of the Kohtla-Järve shale oil industry’s hazardous waste dump, which reduces the pollution of the air, surface and ground water, and soil pollution. Support is provided to each of the counties in Estonia. A total of EUR 50 million is planned for Lääne-Viru County, with EUR 44 million for Pärnu County, EUR 32 million for Tartu County and EUR 29 million for Järva County. That includes water projects in Rakvere, Tapa, Pärnu, Sindi, Tartu, Elva and Türi, as well as the construction of a nature house in Tartu, restoration of flooded meadows at Alam-Pedja and the development of the Pärnu environmental education centre. Recently completed with the support of euro financing was the biofuel based combined heat and power station at Aravete, and the reconstruction of Vändra’s water supply and sewerage system. In Jõgeva County, EUR 17 million has been divided between local water projects; and currently underway, for example, is the restoration of the Endla nature conservation area. In Valga County, EUR 16 million has been set aside for, among other things, a water economy project covering the entire county. Next year, a fishway around the Sangaste mill dam will be completed. Both Viljandi as well as Rapla Counties will receive EUR 13 million for the development of the environmental field. Among the supported projects in Viljandi County are the reconstruction of the bog trail in Soomaa National Park and the restoration of Õisu manor park. The sum for Rapla County includes three large projects: construction of wastewater collection areas in Rapla, Järvakandi and Kohila; the first of which has already been successfully completed. In Põlva County a contribution is being made to water projects, in order to make Taevaskoja friendlier to visitors and to recondition the Leevijõe Reservoir, with a total of EUR 8 million being directed to the county. In Võru County the focus is on the water economy of Võru Rural Municipality and City, the reconditioning of which takes up the lion’s share of the EUR 9 million in support. In Lääne County and on the islands, a lot of work is being done in the area of nature protection and education. For example, work is underway on a restoration and rehabilitation centre for threatened species in Matsalu, the environmental education centre of the Saaremaa Science and Interest School and the development of the Palade environmental education centre. Nearly EUR 7 million in environmental funds is going to Lääne County, EUR 6 million to Saare County, and EUR 1 to Hiiu County. The priority directions, objectives and supported activities for the use of funds set aside for Estonia from EU Structural Funds are reflected in three sectoral operational programmes. The most comprehensive of the operational programmes is the operational programme for the development of the human environment, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment, the support for which is EUR 1.5 billion and via which financing is provided for environmental as well as nature protection activities and also regional development, along with the development of education, health and social welfare infrastructure. |
