Sustainable Modernization of Rural Infrastructure (FöRL Economic Roads)
Grants for the expansion and reinforcement of agricultural roads in rural municipalities of North Rhine-Westphalia (up to 10,000 inhabitants) with a funding rate of 60% or 70% (LEADER). Maximum funding of €500,000 per measure. Applications possible annually until January 15.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of measures for the sustainable modernization of central rural infrastructure (connecting and main agricultural roads) based on funded or recognized rural road network concepts in municipalities and districts with up to 10,000 inhabitants in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Eligible expenses
- Expansion and reinforcement of existing farm roads
- Structural facilities (culverts, bridges)
- New construction of paved connecting and farm roads (gap closures)
- Compensation measures for nature conservation
- Architectural and engineering services up to 15% of the eligible total expenditure
Non-eligible expenses
- Construction and development in new residential, commercial, and industrial areas
- Land acquisition
- Statutorily mandated planning work
- Public administration services
- Ongoing operation and maintenance
- Show more
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Implementation in municipalities and districts with up to 10,000 inhabitants
- Projects within the territorial scope "Rural Areas 2014–2020"
- Existence of a funded or recognized rural path network concept
- Application submission before the start of the measure
Documents required for application
- Proof of lack of structural integrity or need for modernization
- Cost estimate and financing plan
- Proof of legal admissibility
- Proof of land availability
- Prioritization in case of multiple applications
Evaluation criteria
- Existence of a funded or recognized rural path network concept
Description
In North Rhine-Westphalia, rural municipalities with up to 10,000 inhabitants are specifically supported in the sustainable modernization of their connecting and main agricultural roads. Public institutions, interest groups, and associations can apply for grants for the expansion and reinforcement of existing path structures. Funding is provided for the construction of new paved connecting and agricultural roads (gap closures), structural facilities such as culverts or bridges, compensation measures for nature conservation, as well as architectural and engineering services up to 15% of the eligible total expenses. The basis is a funded or approval authority-recognized rural road network concept that ensures future-proof infrastructure planning.
The funding rate amounts to 60% of the recognized costs and can be increased to 70% within the framework of regional LEADER strategies. A maximum of €500,000 per measure is possible. Eligible applicants are municipalities, participant communities according to the Land Consolidation Act, and water and soil associations, provided the projects are implemented before the start of construction work and within the “Rural Areas 2014–2020” territorial scope. Among others, land acquisition, legally required planning work, operating costs, or development projects in new residential, commercial, and industrial areas are not funded. For applications submitted by January 15 of a year, evidence of feasibility, cost estimates, financing plans, legal admissibility, land availability, and, if applicable, prioritization in case of multiple applications are required. This funding offer strengthens mobility for agricultural and forestry traffic, supports supraregional cycling traffic, and contributes to the economic development of rural areas.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.