Funding for Flood Protection and Flowing Watercourse Development

The Free State of Thuringia's funding program targets various stakeholders who wish to implement measures for flood protection and the development of flowing watercourses. This particularly includes municipalities and water management associations, as well as natural and legal persons who own facilities. The funding is limited to the geographical area of Thuringia and aims to reduce flood risk and improve the ecological continuity and near-natural development of watercourses.

A variety of projects serving both flood protection and the near-natural development of flowing watercourses are funded. This includes technical and nature-based measures as well as conceptual preliminary work. Additionally, initial equipment for water rescue services is supported. The eligible measures focus on specific sectors such as water and environmental protection and cover various project phases from planning to implementation.

Funding is provided exclusively as a non-repayable grant. The amount of the grant varies greatly depending on the type of measure and the applicant, from full financing for flowing watercourse development to percentage funding rates with fixed maximum amounts for flood protection measures and the restoration of continuity at third-party facilities. A minimum amount for eligible expenses must be observed in most cases.

The funding is tied to specific legal and administrative conditions, including inclusion in an annual funding list and compliance with environmental and nature protection requirements. De minimis rules apply to certain funding areas, and detailed regulations for fund utilization and documentation must be observed to ensure the correct and appropriate use of funds.

The application process varies depending on the funding subject: A funding inquiry for flood protection measures must be submitted annually by February 28 of the preceding year to the Thüringer Aufbaubank, after which it will be included in a funding list. Applications for the initial equipment of water rescue services and the restoration of continuity at third-party facilities can be submitted continuously. Applications are submitted electronically via the Thüringer Aufbaubank's online portal.

The funding program is based on a specific funding guideline from the Thuringian Ministry for Environment, Energy and Nature Conservation and a series of state and EU-wide laws and regulations. These legal bases form the framework for the allocation of grants and operational procedures, including the use of funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).