During the Board of Directors meeting of the EPA on December 19, 2011, the regional council refused to vote on the financial protocol of the Eco-Valley.
Two key issues were on the agenda of this foundational session: on one hand the “Territory Project” which constitutes the strategy document for the entire Eco-Valley for the next 15 years, and on the other hand the “Partnership Protocol” which forms the financial backing for the first four operations of the OIN: the Grand Arénas business district (centered around the future Nice-Saint Augustin airport multimodal exchange hub and the exhibition park project), the Nice Méridia urban technology park, the La Baronne-Lingostière logistics site, and the Eco-neighborhood of Saint-Martin du Var.
Christian Estrosi, Deputy, Mayor of Nice, President of Nice Côte d’Azur, expressed his concerns regarding the regional council’s refusal to vote on the Financial Protocol during today’s EPA Board of Directors meeting:
“By 2026, the first four operations of the Plaine du Var National Interest Operation will generate 27,000 new jobs through an ambitious mixed-use program of 1,300,000 m², including economic activities, housing, and public amenities, particularly around the Nice-Saint Augustin-airport multimodal hub. The anticipated economic and fiscal benefits, both for the State and local authorities, will amount to several tens of millions of euros per year starting in 2020.
The attitude of the regional council representatives at this Board meeting perplexes and worries me: how can it be understood that two out of the three regional representatives voted ‘Against’ both the strategic and financial Protocols, while the third, Patrick Allemand, voted ‘For’ the Territory Project and then left the council before the vote on the Financial Protocol, without leaving any power or instructions to his colleagues? The incomprehensible stance of the regional representatives goes against the economic and sustainable development of the territory and aims solely at jeopardizing the future of the OIN!
I remind you that the financial protocol requires the agreement of all partners to be implemented. The State representatives on the council have confirmed this. Nice Côte d’Azur has already deliberated on this financial protocol, as did the General Council last week. However, the region, which could have placed the vote on these two protocols on the agenda of its assembly last Friday, did not do so, leaving doubts about its commitment and already delaying the construction of this major national interest operation that I have advocated for, supported by the State, the department and Nice Côte d’Azur, and which is the key project for the economic and social future of the Metropolis.
This financial protocol was also supposed to cover, in whole or in part, a number of essential works and facilities necessary for the success of these four operations (notably the underpass and rail bridge to allow tramway access to the airport, the future interchange between the 6202 bis and the La Baronne site, as well as the cost of relocating the CREAT, the research center of the Chamber of Agriculture…).”
