Since its announcement last February, the Bizkaia Provincial Council has opened the application period for a new subsidy line, totaling five million euros, dedicated to the repair of roads and paths in rural municipalities. Following the necessary procedures, the deadline for submitting applications is set for July 30.
The Nervión-Ibaizabal region is one of the main beneficiaries of this initiative. Up to fourteen municipalities can access these grants, with a maximum amount of 60,000 euros per locality. Local councils will be responsible for executing projects to improve and repair their roads and paths, with a portion of the budget subsidized by the provincial body. All actions must be completed before June 30, 2027.
The specific amount of the subsidy will depend on the “level of rurality and population density.” Localities designated as ZEA (Special Attention Zones) due to their “vulnerable sociodemographic and economic situation” will receive up to 75% of the budget, such as Arakaldo, Orduña, or Ubide. Those with all their rural entities and a density below 150 kilometers per inhabitant will receive up to 65%, including Arantzazu, Arrankudiaga-Zollo, Areatza, Artea, Bedia, Dima, Orozko, Zeanuri, and Zeberio. Finally, Igorre and Lemoa may qualify for 55% due to having a density between 150 and 300 kilometers per resident.
“"A town council like ours does not have the capacity to cover all the maintenance costs. It is fundamental for us that communication routes are in good condition."
Representatives from the region's municipalities have emphasized the importance of these grants, especially in areas with a wide dispersion of farmhouses. Repairing rural roads is crucial for ensuring cohesion and communication between neighborhoods, thereby fostering the socioeconomic development of these localities.
