Ministry plans 16 million euros to modernise shelters

Lithuania’s Interior Ministry plans to allocate 16 million euros for the third stage of municipal shelter modernisation and increase the average funding per shelter from 40,000 to 55,000 euros, LRT reports.

The ministry said on Friday that it had sent the draft funding conditions to relevant institutions for coordination. The third call for municipalities is expected to be launched later this year.

Under the draft order by Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas, the maximum allocation for a single shelter could reach 155,000 euros. The ministry also aims to increase total State Defence Fund financing for shelter infrastructure through 2030 from 77 million to 90 million euros.

“We are increasing funding for each shelter, expanding the list of eligible works and changing the allocation principle so that municipalities know in advance what level of funding they can expect,” Katelynas said.

The ministry proposes replacing competitive selection with continuous selection. Municipalities would know their maximum possible allocation in advance, based on their population: up to 165,000 euros for those with fewer than 50,000 residents; 330,000 euros for municipalities with 50,000 to 100,000 residents; 550,000 euros for those with 100,000 to 150,000 residents; 1.21 million euros for those with 150,000 to 350,000 residents; and 2.345 million euros for those with more than 350,000 residents.

According to the ministry’s estimates, the funding would allow municipalities to modernise between three and 43 shelters, depending on their size.

The proposed funding conditions would also expand the list of eligible works. Funding could cover indoor lighting powered by a backup electricity source, toilets and special assistance equipment for people with disabilities.

Eligible costs for work begun from June 1 this year would also be reimbursed, allowing municipalities and other shelter managers to start work before signing a funding agreement.

The ministry also proposes expanding the pool of potential project partners. In addition to state and municipal institutions, agencies and managers of common areas in apartment buildings, other shelter managers could also participate in the funding programme.