Commission adopts RECHAR II programme for Tuscany
On a proposal from Mrs. Monika Wulf-Mathies, Commissioner responsible for regional policies and cohesion, the Commission has approved a RECHAR II programme for the Tuscany region of Italy. The RECHAR II Community initiative concerns the economic conversion of coal-mining areas. The present programme is aimed specifically at promoting the economic conversion of the Santa Barbara coalfield, located in Tuscany. The programme consists of a single scheme to encourage the diversification of local, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by granting interest rebates to firms which submit investment projects in the priority areas of technology innovation, energy and environmental protection. The total expenditure foreseen by the programme amounts to ECU 32,573,000. The Community contribution to the programme has been set at ECU 901,000 (2.8% of the total). Italian public expenditure will come to ECU 902,000 (2.8% of the total) and the remainder (94.4%) is to be provided by the private sector. The programme will help to safeguard the level of employment in small businesses in the area concerned (4,500 jobs) and to reduce the risk of an increase in unemployment related to the decline of the coal industry.
Countries
Italy