The President of the Government has authorised the processing and transfer of 1,000,000 Euros to the Angra Diocese in order to support the renewal works of churches and pastoral structures of Faial and Pico which were affected by the earthquake that occurred on July 9, 1998.
In an order published in the Official Journal last Friday, Carlos César justifies the decision by the fact that several parishes have to make short-term payments regarding bank loans and the respective interests, which have been taken in order to carry out the reconstruction works of the churches affected by the earthquake.
Between 1999 and 2001, the Government awarded the amount of 3,229,111 Euros to the Angra Diocese begin the reconstructing works and pastoral structures on the islands of Faial and Pico, which were affected by the 1998 earthquake.
In accordance with the Order issued by the President of the Government, following the reconstruction process, the investments needs “have surpassed the initial estimate, thus requiring a financing mechanism in the medium term so that the works may be completed.
For that reason, the Government signed a contract-programme with the Angra Diocese, which was subsequently amended by the Resolution no. 151/2002 of November.