Litomyšl is considering whether to build a covered swimming pool with EU subsidies

Litomyšl (Svitavsko) - The town hall in Litomyšl in Svitavy is considering whether to build a covered swimming pool funded by European money. Out of 130 million crowns, it can obtain half of the costs. Initially, it had anticipated a higher subsidy. Mayor Michal Kortyš told reporters today. A similar problem is being faced by other towns in the Pardubice region, such as Moravská Třebová.
    "We would have to go into debt for 15 to 20 years. Even the operation of the pool would result in an annual loss of four to five million crowns," the mayor stated.
    However, residents in Litomyšl feel that a covered pool is needed. Two years ago, 3,400 residents of the town signed a petition urging the town hall to advocate for the construction of a covered pool. The original project estimated 80 million crowns, but the initial costs have risen and have now increased by 50 million crowns.
    "I told the designers that I wouldn't allow them to raise the budget even a crown higher," stated the mayor.
    According to the financial commission, the town hall can afford to take on debt of up to 200 million crowns over 20 years. However, the mayor believes that the maximum debt for financing European projects is 150 million crowns. The city council will decide on the covered pool next week, the mayor added.
    The pool could potentially be built in the Černá hora area. It should serve a catchment area with a population of 30,000. The plan includes five lanes of 25 meters in length, a whirlpool, steam room, and a waterslide.
    Due to low subsidies, the project for a community and conference center in Moravská Třebová in Svitavy has already been scrapped. EU funding is too low, and the city would have to incur significant debt for the construction.