The crisis may paradoxically help the reconstruction of the node in Brno

Brno - Although the current financial crisis jeopardizes the project of reconstructing the railway junction in Brno on one hand, on the other hand, it may help it. The Deputy Minister of Transport Zdeněk Žák told ČTK today. According to him, the Brno project with a budget of around 20 billion falls into the category of anti-crisis projects that can significantly revive the economy.
    "What could threaten this project is the fact that investments from public sources and perhaps even more from European and private funds will be handled much more cautiously. On the other hand, the whole world and Europe are looking for ways to revive the economy and industry and thus alleviate the crisis. The reconstruction of the Brno railway junction can revive the economy by increasing employment and improving transport infrastructure," said Žák.
    The project lost its zoning decision in December, which was annulled by the court due to insufficient resolution by the building authority officials regarding the objections of project opponents. Despite this delay, which according to the Brno mayor will last at least six months, the investor still believes it is realistic for the project to receive European subsidies.
    The total costs are around 20 billion, of which about seven billion crowns would be sought by the Railway Infrastructure Administration (SŽDC) from EU funds. However, the subsidies for the period from 2007 to 2013 must be invested within two years of its completion, that is, by 2015.
    Currently, a parking station is being built in Brno, which is closely related to the junction reconstruction project. "Last year, around 1.8 billion crowns were invested here, this year it should be about one billion, all the money comes from the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure. There is also an expectation that this construction will be completed on schedule in May 2010," said SŽDC General Director Jan Komárek to ČTK today.
    The final part of the project is the reconstruction of the urban infrastructure. Its costs are around 3.5 billion crowns, which will be shared by the city of Brno and the South Moravian Region.