The Housing Ministry plans to invest 9.5 million euros ($12.3 million) donated by the European Union in urban planning projects for the Central Valley provinces, according to a statement released by the ministry last week.
During the next few months, the money will go to initiatives to beautify the capital, clean up river basins and create regulatory plans for the provinces of San José, Heredia, to the north, and Cartago, to the east.
“One of the most important components of this project is that we will develop, finally, a plan for the greater metropolitan area with 31 regulatory plans for the cantons that make up this area,” said Housing Minister Fernando Zumbado.
The ministry and San JoséMunicipality have already used part of the donation on studies, training, equipment and 82 project contracts.
The goal of these projects, expected to be carried out from 2007-2009, is to remedy problems such as air pollution, congested traffic in the capital and rising prices of land and property.
