Gov't supports project to build HRK 520 mn bridge across Sava at Gradiska

The Croatian government on Thursday adopted a conclusion on financing a project to build a bridge across the Sava River at Gradiska, in the north of the Bosnian Serb entity of Republika Srpska, with an access road. The value of the part of the project that is financed by Croatia has been estimated at HRK 520.5 million (approx. EUR 70.33 million), not including VAT.

Transport Minister Oleg Butkovic said that the agreement on the construction of the bridge and border access sections of an interstate road, signed on 22 November 2011 by the governments of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, defined the legal framework for the joint implementation of the project.

"Considering the significant project value, models of financing involving a loan or EU funds will be considered," said Butkovic.

A possible loan or financing from EU funds refers to the amount of HRK 242 million, not including VAT, while the remaining HRK 278.5 million is envisaged by the financial plan for 2019 and projected financial plans for 2020 and 2021 of the state-owned road construction and maintenance company Croatian Roads (HC).

Plinacro to get licence to build Zlobin-Omisalj gas pipeline

The government also adopted a decision to grant the Plinacro gas company a 30-year licence to use the maritime domain to build and operate the Zlobin-Omisalj gas pipeline in the area of the town of Kraljevica and Omisalj municipality. The construction of the pipeline is vital for the delivery of gas from a future terminal for liquefied natural gas to be built on the island of Krk.

"The gas pipline is of special importance for Croatia because its construction will ensure gas deliveries from the future LNG terminal on Krk to the Croatian and European markets," said Minister Butkovic.

(Hina)