EU Cohesion Policy: close to €100 million for green transport in Spain and a new sewerage system in Cyprus

Today, the Commission has approved two investments of almost €100 million for two major projects in Spain and Cyprus: €77 million from the European Regional Development Fund for the construction of a tram connection between Alcalá de Guadaíra and Seville, in Spain, and more than €22 million from the Cohesion Fund for the construction of sewage collection networks in the Kokkinochoria complex in Cyprus. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira said: “These two projects combine direct benefits for the local citizens and for the environment. A multimodal transport system will incite citizens to switch to a sustainable transport, while a modern and efficient sewage system will decrease risks to human health and groundwater pollution. Both projects will contribute to a more sustainable economic growth in the future.” The Spanish project includes  a 12.5 km long double track tram system to be built together with new park-and-ride facilities in Alcalá de Guadaíra, the construction of a new tram depot and the purchase of six bi-directional low-floor articulated tram units with a maximum length of 33 meters and a minimum capacity of 200 passengers. The project is estimated to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel consumption by 4.130,79 tons of CO2 per year and to increase the number of public transport journeys in the region by more than 2 million per year. The investment in Cyprus concerns the second phase of the project Sewerage System of Kokkinochoria Complex. The first phase of the project was completed during the 2007-2013 Cohesion funding period with an EU investment of over €30 million. The second phase will set up the Achna Sewerage Treatment Plant with a capacity of 10.644 m3/day, which will serve 8 communities and 2 municipalities. Constructions will also include the treated wastewater disposal network for irrigation purposes and 13 pumping stations within conveyance systems. In addition, the treated water will be used in the nearby agricultural area, thus reducing the consumption of scarce potable water. More information regarding EU funded investments is available on the Open Data Platform.