(QCOSTARICA) Despite urging the Legislative Assembly to approve a bill that will fortify the institution and increase funding, the Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER) – the railroad authority – hasn’t provided clear information about how it will finance projects and spend new funding.
INCOFER has stated that the electric train is a top priority within its Rapid Transit Project.
PUSC (Social Cristiano) legislator Johnny Leiva stated that “One of our concerns is about the electric train project, how it will be funded and sustained. ”
INCOFER has stated that the Rapid Transit Project (TRP) is a US$900 million investment, and will included new tracks, equipment and electrical lines to satisfy demand over a 30 year period.
The proposed law would assign ¢150 million to ¢170 milion colones to INCOFER to begin the project.
The bill was presented in the last legislature by Frente Amplio (Broad Front) legislator José María Villalta, and has the support of many parties now in office, including the PAC.
According to INCOFER boss Guillermo Santana, “INCOFER needs to be more sustainable, right now it depends on the whims of the annual budget, and this is not the way it should be”.
In the bill INCOFER would receive a 5% chunk of the tax on fossil fuels.
Article by iNews.co.cr, with editing by the Q
