Help after storms
Disaster fund to be increased by 1 billion euros
The disaster fund is to be increased to one billion euros from the existing budget - "at the expense of the federal government's revenue share". Previously, 600 million euros per year were available.
After the severe storms last weekend, calls for an increase in the disaster fund grew louder and louder among the population. Severe storms and flooding caused massive damage in several regions. Some people lost everything in the floods, and those affected are now calling for quick and adequate support to help them rebuild.
In view of the extent of the damage and the growing concern about future extreme weather events, the government has now decided to increase the disaster fund by around 400 million euros per year.
Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer: "Austria stands together especially in difficult times. The disaster fund will therefore be increased to one billion. The existing housing umbrella will be redesigned and extended for special cases of hardship affected by the disaster. This will support those who are unable to live in their homes temporarily or for a longer period of time."
Both private individuals and companies are to be compensated for damage. Funds will also be made available for damaged infrastructure in municipalities and federal provinces, according to the press conference, which Nehammer held together with Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler. Advances would also be granted in cases of hardship.
The additional funding is intended to ensure that the affected municipalities and households receive support quickly and unbureaucratically. This measure is not only a reaction to the recent storms, but also a necessary step to be better prepared for such disasters in the future.
- Increasing the disaster fund: The disaster fund will be increased to one billion euros in order to help those affected quickly and unbureaucratically. This will provide compensation for damage suffered by private individuals and companies as well as funds for damaged infrastructure in municipalities and federal states. In order to help quickly and alleviate the suffering of those affected, the federal government is also granting advance payments.
- Increasing the housing umbrella: To support affected households, an additional 40 million euros will be made available from the housing umbrella. The housing umbrella will be adapted and can also be made available for cases of social hardship in the context of the floods. This is primarily intended to help in cases of hardship where people are unable to use their homes.
- In the area of taxation, it will be ensured that comprehensive deferrals and payment relief are available for those affected by flood damage. Costs in connection with flood damage can be claimed for tax purposes by private individuals and businesses.
Slideshow: Pictures of the clean-up work
- Special loans and guarantees are provided for damaged companies to ensure rapid liquidity. Interest-free loans will be made available. A total loan volume of up to 100 million euros is planned.
- Disaster short-time work: In order to secure jobs, affected companies can make use of disaster short-time work. This means that companies affected by a prolonged closure can temporarily register their employees for short-time working.
- Flood protection: The Federal Government continues to invest in the expansion of flood protection facilities in order to minimize future damage caused by flooding. Since 2002, the federal government has invested two billion euros. In order to repair immediate damage, a ten million euro emergency aid package for the renovation of flood facilities and dams, etc. is available. In total, up to around one billion euros will be invested in flood protection in the coming years.
- EU Solidarity Fund: Contact has already been made with affected neighboring countries and the EU Commission to examine the activation of the EU Solidarity Fund. This should enable additional financial support from Brussels to promote reconstruction work in the affected regions.
Further information can be found HERE.
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read the original article here.
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