Rural mayors on the fire front and relaunching the wood industry

The relaunch of the timber industry
Much more problematic, the debate on forest policy refers to the work of the Commission set up last February to try to counter the collapse of the Corsican timber sector. Here again, the mayors alternate between criticisms of the Corsican Forest and Wood Program 2021-2030, integrated into the Rilanciu Plan, and suggestions. « This program is not political enough. Operational indicators and objectives must be set, but also the means to be implemented, the partners to be mobilized and the timetable. It is also necessary to define a clear governance with the designation of a referent executive advisor and of a structure, for example the Chamber of territories, which supervises. Finally, it is necessary to integrate the issue of pastoralism and the multifunctionality of the forest. “, Says the mayor of Noceta, Fabien Arrighi. He recommends “A clear display of public procurement, which is an essential tool for relaunching the sector, and the integration of private forests into the overall strategy, particularly commercial. We would like actions to be implemented to improve the service and cover the territory with sufficient infrastructure in terms of sawmill and dryers. “. The mayor of Ghisoni poses the economic equation: “ For a long time, the Corsican forest generated wealth. Why is 90% of the wood used in Corsica imported today? It’s been 5 or 6 years since we sold a m³ of Corsican wood for carpentry. Why is Corsican wood unable to meet the demand of the local market? How much does it cost? It is known that the cost is more expensive. Imported wood benefits from territorial continuity and subsidies to compete with Corsican wood ». Cuttoli’s executive councilor and mayor, Jean Biancucci, agrees: “ The forest is an area that can be vital for Corsica. In 1949, 73 sawmills were in operation, there are 2 today, one of which has just opened. There is danger in delay ! “. For him, ” There is no timber industry, but dead segments and others still alive. A real territorial strategy is needed to develop the former and revitalize the latter. This supposes financial means that could be found in European funds on a multiannual basis with staggered objectives “. And assures: ” If we only tackle part of the problem, there will be an obvious failure in the long term. It is an operation commensurate with a man’s life ».

An increase in aid
The report on the individualization of aid credits to municipalities and inter-municipal authorities, validated by the Executive on April 6, did not give rise to any debate, not even the planned modification of the aid regulations. ” An exercise in transparency “, Affirms the President of the Executive,” each municipality can see what it has had and what the others have had. Each has had its due, regardless of political affiliation. The only priorities have been validated together and are in favor of small towns or mountain towns. ». Nearly € 33.8 million in aid has already been allocated. In particular, € 11.4 million for 393 operations in 180 municipalities under the Five-Year and School Endowments, or € 3.4 million in rural areas under the Territorial Solidarity Fund. These grants will also be used to create a coworking space and a Fab-Lab in Vicu-Sagone, to rebuild the Abbazia school and sports complex in Prunelli di Fium’Orbu, or to revitalize the urban Corte. More than € 1.6 million is also allocated to Purtivechju, Bastia and Aiacciu for urban policies. In addition, € 5 million under the Water Convention and € 4.5 million from the Mountain Fund to increase aid schemes related to the health crisis in inland villages. « We have already noted a significant increase in payment appropriations compared to 2020, of around 20%. It reflects a rise in the power of new mechanisms which are beginning to be better known by mayors, such as, for example, the territorialization fund or the Mountain Fund of the Massif Committee. The Paese Fund is very successful with 30 cases that have already been put together. We are going into the field to meet the mayors concerning this tool which can relieve their cash flow ”, remarks Gilles Simeoni.

Better efficiency
A large part of the credits concerned housing and the device ” A house for everyone, a house for everyone “. More than € 7.1 million have already been invested out of the € 11 million planned in some thirty land acquisition operations for rental housing at regulated prices, rehabilitation of municipal housing, direct aid to first-time buyers, etc. ” The increase is exponential. The municipalities largely mobilize the various mechanisms for the creation of social rental housing or home ownership. It works well, if it continues, it will be necessary to top up the appropriations for 2021 », Welcomes Gilles Simeoni. As agreed, this last device has been reassessed to be more in tune with the realities of rural and mountain areas. ” We have put an end to the € 10,000 bonus for first-time buyers, which had perverse and counterproductive effects. 70% of aid financed acquisitions in the peri-urban area and fueled urbanization. This is not in line with our political objectives of regional planning. The premium was even integrated into the promoters’ price and this did not facilitate a lasting effect of home ownership since the goods were resold. », Explains the President of the Executive. Aid, now between € 15,000 to € 30,000, has been tightened and benefits 75% to inland villages and 25% to historic town centers with a minimum delay before resale. The objective is ” an immediate increase in the production of housing to support a harmonious development of the territory and fight against speculation “. This report will be put to a vote at the April session of the Corsican Assembly.

N.M.

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