The President of the Government opened today the work for the protection and consolidation of the coastal area of Fanal Bay, a global investment of about 2.5 million Euros resulting from a partnership with the Municipality of Angra do Heroísmo that also contributed to the development of this important space. 

“This is a work that results from a partnership with the Municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, as is the case with other local authorities throughout the Region. With the opening of investments like this one, it is a source of satisfaction that we are able to fulfil a long-sought aspiration of the community,” said Vasco Cordeiro. 

On the first day of the Regional Government's visit to the island of Terceira, the President of the Government considered that the protection and redevelopment of coastal areas is a huge challenge in an increasingly evident context of climate change that requires a response at the most varied levels of governance. 

“Throughout this legislative period, the Regional Government has invested - and continues to invest - in the protection and redevelopment of the coastline on several islands as part of the Region's strategy for adaptation to climate change and the natural erosion process of our coast. These interventions aim to establish a balance and an optimal point between the natural process and the need to defend and protect people and property," said the President of the Government. 

According to him, the Government has been working with municipal and parish councils throughout the Region in a joint effort for the redevelopment of coastal areas, such as these redevelopment works in Fanal Bay. 

"In cooperation with regional municipalities, we have carried out several works to improve coastal areas, through ARAAL contracts, as is the case of the works in Fanal Bay, the waterfront protection works on Vasco Silveira Avenue in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island and the redevelopment works in Novo Port, Corvo Island," noted Vasco Cordeiro. 

The passage of Hurricane Lorenzo has made this type of intervention a priority, taking into account that about fifty situations have been identified thereafter, mostly on the coast and in fishing ports, which need to be addressed. 
 
“In addition to these situations, there are also planned interventions for commercial ports, corresponding to an overall amount of more than 300 million Euros,” said Vasco Cordeiro. 

Regarding the scheduled works, the President of the Government stated that the coastal protection works in Fajã de São João, São Jorge Island, has already begun, representing an investment of more than 270 thousand Euros. Moreover, the protection works of the area adjacent to the playing field and the Santa Catarina Factory, also on São Jorge Island, an investment of more than one million Euros, and the coastal protection works in Fenais Ventosa, Graciosa Island, are currently in the phase of proposal analysis. 

There are also planned investments for the stabilisation, upgrading and redevelopment of coastal infrastructures and spaces, such as the coastal redevelopment works in the São Vicente Ferreira port area, São Miguel Island. They began in March and are expected to be completed in July, representing an investment of more than 250 thousand Euros.