CDU Urges Swift Action for Flood Damage Repairs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
With the aftermath of the severe storm surge in the Baltic Sea on October 20 and 21 set to discuss in Schwerin's state parliament's plenary session, the CDU party has voiced its expectations for the state government to provide swift assistance to affected municipalities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The opposition party has urged for concrete measures to improve flood protection, emphasizing the need for state funds to finance necessary repair work due to many municipalities' financial constraints.
While the SPD has confined their request to a topical hour on the consequences of the storm surge, the CDU has presented a motion with actionable steps such as allocating additional funds in the state budget for 2024/2025. The SPD's neighboring state, Schleswig-Holstein, has acted promptly by convening a special state parliament session in response to flood damage and establishing a substantial funding program.
Criticizing the lack of seriousness from the state government, CDU MP Thomas Diener pointed out that Schleswig-Holstein had been more adversely affected by the storm surge. The black-green government there plans a special fund named 'Reconstruction Flood Disaster 2023' in view of estimated damage of approximately 200 million euros.
Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania reported that coastal protection facilities had suffered over six million euros in damage, primarily on the coasts of Fischland-Darß-Zingst, Rügen, and Usedom. Further assessments are continuing to evaluate additional damage to tourist infrastructure, roads, and ports.
Shortly following the storm surge, the leaders of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania had jointly appealed to the federal government for financial assistance in repairing the damage. Recognizing the past experiences of floods in regions like the Elbe, Danube, and Rhine, they suggested the potential for community solidarity and federal government support.
As the Government strives to prioritize flood protection measures, securing funding for infrastructure repairs in various municipalities becomes a vital task. Leveraging various funding sources can enable Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to effectively address damaged infrastructure and prioritize flood protection, as shown by federal government/Länder schemes, EU subsidy programs, nature conservation projects, climate protection initiatives, and international cooperation.
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By utilizing these funding mechanisms creatively, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can access the necessary resources to repair damaged infrastructure and focus on improving flood protection measures. For instance, projects like the Rostock Overseas Port have received funding from the joint Federal Government/Länder scheme for infrastructure upgrades and new constructions. Additionally, EU subsidy programs, such as 'Rail-IT-MoS,' provide significant funding for infrastructure projects related to flood protection and port development.
Moreover, initiatives like the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve, primarily focused on nature conservation, can involve flood protection and resilience measures, potentially attracting additional funding from environmental initiatives. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern could also benefit from climate protection initiatives, such as the BMWK's 'lead markets for climate-friendly raw materials,' which promote sustainable infrastructure development indirectly supporting flood protection measures.
Finally, international collaboration and securing grants for specific flood protection and resilience projects can complement these efforts. Organizations like the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), for example, have supported comprehensive floodplain management in other regions.
