Expenses in transport sphere to be reduced by 12% in 2010

PanARMENIAN.Net - Under 2010 State Budget, expenditures in transport a will make up AMD 34 billion instead of the AMD 38.8 billion envisaged for 2009. This is a 12% decrease in comparison with current year, Transport and Communication Minister Gurgen Sargsyan told a press conference in Yerevan.



Next year's budget mainly envisages reconstruction highways of state importance. Allocations to be made for that purpose will comprise AMD 2 billion. The sum will be spent on repairing and building roads with a total area of 63 km., as well as reconstructing transport facilities, particularly 8 bridges. "ADB-funded road reconstruction program will continue in 2010. As a result, we'll put in commission reconstructed rural roads with a total area 118-120km. Expenditures will make up AMD 4 billion," Minister said.



At that he noted that the second, World Bank-funded road reconstruction program costing AMD 18.8 billion will be launched in 2010 for repairing roads with a total area of 100 km.



Minister also informed participants about another key program aimed at construction of south-north corridor. Budgetary allocations for this program will comprise $60 million.



In addition, Minister said that $70 million rural road reconstruction program is currently being negotiated with a Chinese company. "Negotiations will be followed by signing of agreement, and very probably, this program too, will be launched in 2010," Sargsyan said.