INFRA stated in its statement that prioritizing funding for basic road maintenance in relation to new development investments is justified in this state's financial situation.
However, INFRA highlighted that a system-level change is needed in transport policy, especially in the financing of road infrastructure. The current financing model, which is proposed to be continued in practice, prioritizing basic road maintenance, in principle enables the maintenance of the existing road network, but not any major development projects.
In addition, INFRA highlighted in its statement a study jointly commissioned by business organizations Finland's new transport connections to the world -study. According to INFRA, in addition to the Transport 12 plan, Finland needs a longer-term vision that takes a position on, among other things, new transport connections westward from Finland and creates a vision for Finland's new logistical connections to the west.
To finance these new future projects included in the vision, a completely new funding category, “future investments,” is needed alongside the current basic road maintenance and development investments. For financing future investments, it must be possible to utilize, for example, larger EU funding than currently available, the “benefits pay” model, and financing that utilizes the increase in land value, which can also be supplemented by funding from the state budget.
Without a change in the system level of transport infrastructure financing, Finland will not be able to implement any major future investments.
In addition, INFRA highlighted the importance of research and development in its statement. The sector needs a long-term research package worth several million euros, focusing on asset management of road infrastructure and measures aimed at reducing repair debt.
Case: VN/18780/2023-LVM-180
Statement on the draft national transport system plan and environmental report (environmental assessment in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act)