Sustainable Modernization of Rural Infrastructure (FöRL Economic Paths)

This funding program targets specific public institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia to strengthen rural infrastructure and positively influence the agricultural structure. It supports projects in municipalities and districts with up to 10,000 inhabitants in the defined "Rural Area".

The funding program supports measures for the sustainable modernization of central rural infrastructure, especially economic paths, based on rural road network concepts. It includes the expansion, paving, and new construction of paths, as well as associated structural and nature conservation measures. However, projects in new development, commercial, and industrial areas, as well as land acquisition and certain planning and operating costs, are not eligible for funding.

Funding is provided as a grant in the form of project funding with co-financing, up to a maximum of €500,000 per project. The funding rate is 60 percent of the eligible expenses but can be increased to 70 percent for projects implemented within the framework of a regional LEADER development strategy.

Specific conditions must be observed for the application and implementation of funding measures, including submitting the application before the start of the measure, compliance with technical standards for road construction, and nature conservation regulations. Furthermore, EU regulations, particularly the De minimis rules, must be considered. A right of revocation applies for a period of twelve years if the funded objects are alienated or misused.

The application for funding must be submitted to the responsible district government before the start of the measure. The granting authority makes the decision by written notice, and disbursement is based on proven payments by the beneficiary. Statements of expenditure must be kept according to the prescribed forms, with no simple statements of expenditure allowed.

The funding program "Sustainable Modernization of Rural Infrastructure" is based on a specific guideline from the Ministry for Environment, Agriculture, Nature, and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia. This guideline is supplemented by a variety of national and European regulations governing the promotion of rural development and the granting of aid. The relevant documents are accessible through public announcements.