The Regional Government will begin next Thursday a three-day statutory visit to the island of São Jorge. The President of the Government will visit various ongoing works, such as the expansion of the runway of the island aerodrome and the expansion of the Youth Hostel. He will preside over the opening of the support building of the Marina of Velas.
The Control and Support Buildings of the Marina of Velas, whose contract work was awarded by APTO – Adminsitração dos Portos do Triângulo e Grupo Ocidental, SA to the company Castanheira & Soares, Lda on March 2009, were completed in May 2010. The control building is installed in an area of 168 m2 on a commercial quay and includes areas for users, offices for the entities in charge of clearing vessels, material storage, toilet facilities and archive services. The support building is installed in an area of 156 m2 on the embankment and includes toilet facilities equipped with showers for both sexes, laundry, technical areas and lobby for access to other rooms.
During this statutory visit, Carlos César will visit the expansion works of the runway of the São Jorge aerodrome.   These works were awarded on September 15, 2008 and are expected to be completed by July 26, 2011. This contract work includes the expansion of the landing strip from 30 meters to 45 meters with 7m safety berms, the expansion  of the landing strip to 110 metres Southeast with subsequent expansion of the strip and  the construction of a safety area at the end of runway (RESA) in lanes 13 and 31. The works also include the construction of a new control tower (TWR), the renewal of the current parking area and the creation of a third position for aircraft parking and a possible relocation of the taxi-ways. Moreover, these interventions also comprise the supply and installation of the equipment deemed necessary for the operation of these structures, such as radio aids, data networks, communication systems and air traffic management, the installation of daytime signalling as well as of signalling equipment for night flights.
The President of the Government of the Azores will also visit the works of the São Jorge Youth Hostel. The works of the building under construction, which was initially designed to be a Pastoral Centre, were awarded by the company “Ilhas de Valor, SA” to the company AFAVIAS on May 3 with a completion period of 14 months. The Youth Hostel has an accommodation capacity for 52 beds, 20 in quadruple rooms and 32 in double rooms; all of which are provided with sanitary facilities.
Furthermore, Carlos César will visit the Santa Catarina Institute where we will deliver a van to that institution.  The Santa Catarina Institute currently provides the following services: children and youth shelter, kindergarten and home care to 45 elderly, including food and personal hygiene services, house cleaning and laundry service which are provided by two teams using two vans (one to be replaced by the one that will be delivered by the President of the Government). This home support service covers an area between the villages of Urzelina, Manadas, Fajã de Santo Amaro and Queimada.
During this statutory visit, the President of the Government will preside over the opening of the São Jorge Agricultural Fair. This event aims to highlight highlighting the productive capacity of São Jorge by distinguishing its potentialities in the area of dairy and beef cattle farming as well as in the dynamics of the island regarding genetic enhancement, the qualification of farmers and the quality of their products. The São Jorge Agricultural Fair also aims to promote the evaluation and a healthy competition between the best farms on the island. The programme includes various activities, such as cattle, cheese, vegetables and fruit contests, wine tasting and equestrian competitions. The agricultural products will be displayed in 10 stands located at the fair complex. This event counts upon the participation of over a dozen companies.