The Uri district council has referred the construction project for a passenger lift at Altdorf station back to the government for revision.
The Uri district council rejects the deal to build a passenger lift at Altdorf station. – Keystone
The Uri district council has sent the deal to build a passenger lift at Altdorf station back to the government. Among other things, he called on the government council to reduce the costs of the project. The passenger lift was supposed to cost 800,000 francs. The Uri Cantonal Bank and the municipality of Altdorf each pledged 150,000 francs.
In its report and proposal, the government proposed contributing 250,000 francs. The remaining 250,000 francs should be organized by private parties, for example by organizations for the elderly and disabled.
SBB rejects participation
In its report, the government noted that they do not have the necessary financial means to support the project. It also noted that the SBB has spoken out against involvement in the lift for reasons of precedent.
The government recommended that the district council refrain from completely closing the financing gap. This was partly due to the canton’s finances, but also because legal requirements and standards were complied with when building the existing spiral ramp.
Motion for passenger lift
The desire for a passenger lift was expressed in an open letter in 2023. According to various organizations for the elderly and people with disabilities, access via the spiral ramp is difficult, and for some even impossible, due to its length, gradient and design. Marco Roeleven (FDP) then submitted a motion on the matter, which Parliament passed in 2023.
Marco Roeleven (FDP) – FDP.The Liberals Uri
The Economic Affairs Commission submitted an application for a commitment loan of 500,000 francs instead of 250,000 francs. If the costs for the lift are lower, the loan can be reduced.
Cost controversy in the district council
A minority, however, proposed a maximum of 250,000 francs. If the costs fall short of the cost estimate, the commitment credit should be reduced proportionately.
The FDP filed a motion to reject the proposal. The costs for the lift were too high and the finances had to be managed prudently, said Walter Tresch (FDP). The party is calling on the government to re-examine the project costs and reduce them significantly.
Justice or budget?
In addition, she does not want social organizations to be involved in residual financing. Opinions on the issue differed even within the parties: some were in favor of rejection, others were in favor of a loan of 250,000 francs.
Alois Arnold (SVP) voted that smaller organizations might not have the financial means to support the project, but larger umbrella organizations do. Hans Aschwanden (FDP) said that the risk of implementation should not be passed on to the organizations.
The risk of implementation lies with the public sector and the canton is responsible for improving the situation on site. Ragunath Ananthavettivelu (SP) said it was a question of justice: people with limited mobility must be taken seriously. It is an investment from which everyone will benefit.
Parliament voted narrowly in favor of the FDP’s motion to reject the bill, 34 to 27. The government must revise the matter again.
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