An overall investment plan for 1,84 billion euros to be concentrated in the infrastructure of Southern Italy. And the Pon Infrastructures and Networks 2014-2020, the National Operational Program of the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport presented this morning in Naples by the Minister Graziano Delrio and by the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Cretu.
The investments will be financed for 75% with ERDF funds and the remaining 25% with the National Revolving Fund and will be committed above all to improving the competitiveness of railways, airports and maritime transport in the five regions concerned, namely Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Sicily.
There are also five logistics areas in which to concentrate investments: the Campania and Puglia system, the Gioia Tauro logistics hub, the eastern quadrant and the western quadrant of Sicily. Strong drive towards technological innovation and the adoption of Intelligent Transport Systems.
“The Pon Infrastructures and Networks – said Delrio – is part of a wider program of infrastructural interventions in Southern Italy, which we are defining together with the presidents of the individual regions, with the aim of creating opportunities for development, for logistics and for the entire southern economy". "The new program - continued the minister - strengthens a strategy focused on intermodality, transport sustainability and innovative systems to increase efficiency and safety".
The goal, according to the European Commissioner Corina Cretu, is to "better connectivity“, considered “vital for a country like Italy. Investing with European funds in intelligent and sustainable transport infrastructures will develop the competitiveness of the local economy and improve the quality of life of citizens, resulting in shorter transport times”.
