Brussels, 26/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission approved two programmes under the Urban II initiative for the period 2000-2006, in France - the first for Montfermeil (east of Paris) and the second for the two neighbouring districts of the town of Bastia (Corsica).
A programme covering the urban area of Clichy-sous-Bois/Montfermeil (east of Paris), evaluated at a cost of almost EUR 35 million, of which 13 are granted by ERDF, aims to rehabilitate a decaying district built during the sixties (which was part of a much larger project involving the construction of a motorway connecting Roissy to Marne-la-Vallée, which was never in fact built). The programme proposes three main priorities: - an environment-based urban development strategy: with measures such as the installation of a green belt, training in environmental skills and the restoration of existing assets (Community contribution: EUR 5.2 million); - promoting spatial mobility and equal access to knowledge: improved access to the major transport networks and the introduction of innovative means of transport (Community contribution: EUR 2.8 million); and developing local facilities and services to improve access to employment: the creation of business incubators or by encouraging local urban management measures (Community contribution: EUR 4.1 million).
The other programme, funding aid to the old town and southern districts of Bastia, in Corsica, provide for interventions of over EUR 31 million, including 12 granted by the EDRF. The programme comprises the following priorities: - improving quality of life and urban environment: measures such as property renovation, expanding urban infrastructure and providing training in appropriate skills (Community funding: EUR 5.6 million); - reviving/stimulating economic activity: grants for businesses and economic planning/research, promoting and organising business activity and developing commercial premises and customer services (Community funding: EUR 2 million); and promoting equal opportunities and occupational reintegration: cultural and out-of-school services and infrastructure for local residents, and providing free crèche places for parents seeking employment, start-up assistance for new businesses and jobseeker schemes, social measures and organisation (Community funding: EUR 3.6 million)