The province sets new accents in the long-term plan

A lot of money goes to water management works, cycling infrastructure and agriculture.

Next year, the province will invest heavily in the agricultural and horticultural center Inagro in Beitem near Roeselare. It is about 10 million euros.

Agriculture and horticulture

First deputy Bart Naeyaert: “We are going to set up a bio shed there to support organic agricultural research. And we are going to make an important investment for vegetables in the open air to make a test field workshop there.”

Water control

Traditionally, the province also gives a lot of money for water management works, such as the construction of controlled flood areas in combination with reservoirs.

“For example, there is such a project in Roeselare on the Collieijverbeek. But there is also a large project in the Ledegemse Meerssen. We provide additional space for water there. We will combine that with recreational and nature functions.”

Education

The province also invests in education. The eye-catcher is certainly a new building at the PTI in Kortrijk. Companies will be able to go there for advice on sustainable technological innovation.

“House of Manufacturing. That will bring research institutes, companies and entrepreneurs together. We want to offer opportunities in a region where industry is super important, additional opportunities and offer training for entrepreneurs.”

Tourism and nature

Tourism, nature and cycling infrastructure also take a large bite out of the province’s budget. In the Gavers in Harelbeke, 20 hectares of newly purchased land are being developed and the province is also constructing 33 km of new cycle paths.

The provincial council still has to approve the amended long-term plan at the beginning of December.