Funding of municipal aquatic ecological restoration measures

The funding of municipal water ecological restoration measures in Styria supports public institutions, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives in reducing hydromorphological pressures on surface waters. The goal is to restore connectivity and restructure morphologically altered river sections in order to meet the environmental objectives of the National Water Management Plan. Projects for planning, construction execution, and construction supervision are subsidized with up to 60% federal and 30% state funds. Eligible expenses include planning costs, construction costs, construction supervision, and material costs. Applications can be submitted continuously from 01.01.2025 onwards, providing municipalities and water associations with continuous planning security. The program selection is carried out by Department 14 – Water Management, Resources, and Sustainability of the Styrian State Government, which ensures technical support, fund allocation, and project data monitoring.

Interested municipalities and water associations submit a technical report, overview plan, catalog, cost estimate, required permits, as well as photographic documentation with transfer of usage rights. Funding prerequisites include KPC approval with federal funding contract, a government session resolution with state funding contract, as well as water law review decision and final invoicing. Evaluation is based on technical effectiveness and ecological prioritization. After positive project review, the applicant receives a funding contract, whose acceptance is required before disbursement of subsidies. Billing is done according to construction progress and final acceptance inspection. Transparent monitoring and controlling requirements, along with annual reports, ensure efficient and sustainable use of funds.