Düsseldorf/Höxter/Lippstadt/Paderborn (dpa/lnw) - Almost five months after the devastating storm in North Rhine-Westphalia, the particularly affected cities of Höxter, Lippstadt and Paderborn can now apply for state funding for reconstruction. This was announced by the NRW Ministry for Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Building and Digitization on Monday in Düsseldorf.
These cities were massively damaged by the tornadoes that raged there on May 20th. The North Rhine-Westphalian state government then decided to provide financial support for the reconstruction and repair work, particularly of the public infrastructure. The state is now providing up to 45.5 million euros for this, according to the ministry. The funding guideline has now come into force. The affected cities could therefore apply for financial aid “soon” from the Detmold district government. You go "with big steps towards reconstruction," said Construction Minister Ina Scharrenbach (CDU). "The starting signal is given, let's tackle it."
According to the announcement, in addition to the repair of the urban infrastructure such as water supply, administrative buildings, cultural institutions, roads, footpaths and cycle paths, the restoration of schools, daycare centers, playgrounds and parks is also being funded.
The May storm, which brought lightning, thunder, torrential rain and even tornadoes, toppled roofs, uprooted trees and severely disrupted public transport. Numerous people were injured and damage in the millions was incurred.
