The Ministry of Public works is preparing a major department-wide strategy to effectively manage the paucity of resources caused by the financial crisis. Ana Pastor, the Minister of Public Works, intends to analyze the viability of the Plan de Infraestructuras (2012-2020), because up until now many agreements and protocols have been signed with various regional governments, but these are not resulting in investing decisions. Pastor?s intent, according to sources consulted on the matter, is not to create some exorbitant plan that results in zero concrete action, but to assure that the most necessary and relevant works are contracted and completed.
In regard to highways, the Ministry has a budget of two billion euros, but former Minister José Blanco left behind spending contracts for up to 3.6 billion euros. This legacy will force the current Pastor to apply 1.6 billion euros in cuts in order to square accounts or else honor the existing contracts and put the Ministry 1.6 billion euros in debt.
Concerning the maintenance of Spain´s highway system, the new Public Works team is unhappy that in 17 subsectors did not ask for aid and, for this reason, the department is going to go through with restoration projects quickly so that this critically important aspect is attended to. Some of the contracts expired recently on January 14.
