ISPA Draft PRESS RELEASE No : 2002/EE/16/P/PA/010

Measure title Technical Assistance for financial and environmental analysis for Saaremaa fixed link, located in Estonia

Authority responsible for implementation

Name: Ministry of Transport and Communication Address: 9 Viru Street, 15081 Tallinn, Estonia E-mail: [email protected]

Description

Saaremaa is Estonia’s largest island with an area of 2670 km² and a population of 40 000. The island is connected to Muhu island (area of 200 km²) by an embankment. Muhu island and consequently Saaremaa can only be reached by ferries from the mainland. The distance between the island and the mainland is about 7 km.

Since 1997 a task group initiated by Saaremaa county government has been studied possibilities to improve the island’s connection with the mainland. As a result of this task group, a feasibility study has been finalised in 1999 and a financial report has been completed in 2001. Based on those studies the Estonian Government decided to start the process for seeking possibilities to create a fixed link (bridge or tunnel) between Muhu island and the mainland. The geological conditions allow either a bridge or a tunnel as a fixed link.

This technical assistance project includes the financial analysis and preliminary environmental impact assessment of alternative options for a fixed link to Saaremaa.

Objectives The objective of this technical assistance project is to identify the most feasible solution for the connection between the mainland and Saare County from the economic point of view (including construction and operation) and its possible environmental impacts.

Cost and assistance (in €)

Total cost Expenditure before Total eligible ISPA grant Grant rate eligible date and other cost % non eligible costs 0 € 400 000 € 300 000 75 € 400 000