Brenner Tunnel financing solution suggested

RSSThe Brenner Base Tunnel could be financed by highway users according to a proposal by the Italian Ministry of Transport. The authorities in South Tyrol have suggested that the EU may forego new tenders and recalculate the concession period so that it is for a longer timeframe. This would be of benefit both to the Italian Government (which has budgetary restraints), and the EU. Highway operator Brennerautobahn, in which the Italian regions of Trentino and South Tyrol have a 32.2% stake, already provides €30 million/year in funding. So far, €550 million has been invested into the project. Meanwhile Austrian construction company 945 Strabag has also suggested that it can part-finance the project. In all the tunnel is expected to cost €10 billion and should be ready for use in 2025.