Promotion of Rural Path Network Concepts and Rural Land Consolidation According to the Land Consolidation Act

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the state supports the development of future-oriented rural road network concepts as well as land consolidation measures under the Land Consolidation Act with interest-free loans and grants. The goal is to inventory, analyze, and plan a needs-based road network including a target concept and concrete recommendations for action. Funding is provided not only for concept development but also for soil-protective or soil-improving measures, communal facilities and village renewal projects, as well as interim land acquisition for land consolidation and voluntary land exchange. Eligible applicants are municipalities, participant communities under the Land Consolidation Act, as well as natural and legal persons under private or public law, provided that the municipal area lies wholly or partially within the designated "Rural Area" boundary.

The funding rate amounts to 75% to 80% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of €50,000, covering planning office and expert consultant costs, material and personnel costs for concept development, as well as non-reimbursable value-added tax. Applications are evaluated based on rural structures, agricultural structural conditions, and the multifunctional significance of the road network. Required are application forms from the responsible district government, the funding guideline, a guide for concept development, and cost estimates. Submissions must be made annually by the deadline of October 31. This funding offer enables actors in municipal administration and rural development, with external expert support, to make sustainable infrastructure decisions and to secure mobility and biodiversity in rural areas in the long term.