The Plenary Session of the Provincial Council of Cordoba, in its September ordinary session, approved the execution and development frameworks for two Integrated Action Plans (PAI) granted to the provincial institution under the Spain pluriregional program funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) 2021-2027.
Ana Rosa Ruz, delegate for Finance and European Funds, detailed that these projects, 'PAI Pozoblanco-Los Pedroches' and 'PAI Sierra Morena Cordobesa', have an approved budget of 7 million euros each, with aid amounting to 5.9 million euros.
Ruz emphasized that the approval of these frameworks marks a significant step, as the Council assumes 15% of the financing, enabling the projects to be developed until the end of 2030 and establishing the necessary planning.
The PAI Pozoblanco-Los Pedroches includes 31 actions across 17 municipalities, benefiting 51,206 residents and aiming for the demographic revitalization of the region. It incorporates economic dynamization initiatives in Villanueva de Córdoba, Dos Torres, Pozoblanco, Pedroche, El Viso, El Guijo, and Torrecampo, as well as infrastructure and service improvements in Villaralto, Añora, Alcaracejos, Fuente la Lancha, Hinojosa del Duque, Villanueva del Duque, Belalcázar, and Pedroche.
This PAI also includes initiatives to facilitate access to affordable housing in Cardeña and Villaralto, and for efficient water management in Conquista or Dos Torres.
Regarding the PAI Sierra Morena, Ruz stated that it involves municipalities such as Bujalance, Villafranca, and Villa del Río, benefiting 45,761 residents with 17 specific actions. Proposals for tourism promotion and public space adaptation are included in Villaviciosa, Hornachuelos, Obejo, Villafranca de Córdoba, Adamuz, Espiel, and the Mancomunidad de Sierra Morena.
Furthermore, the adaptation of public spaces for climate purposes and sustainability plans are incorporated in Adamuz, Villanueva del Rey, Villaviciosa de Córdoba, Villa de Río, Villafranca, and Bujalance, along with the creation and improvement of youth and citizen support centers in Villaharta and Montoro.
Antonio Martín, spokesperson for the Popular Party Group in the Council, presented three institutional declarations unanimously approved: support for the declaration of the Battle of Flowers as a Festival of Andalusian Tourist Interest, the candidacy of Montilla as 'City of Wine 2027', and raising awareness for World Mental Health Day.
“"Today we take an important step in the execution of these PAIs by approving the action frameworks, and the Council assumes 15% of the financing for projects that will be developed until the end of 2030."
“"Our support is based on the fact that this is a festival that is part of our identity and has projection beyond our borders."
“"We do this by valuing the wine culture of the province and the Montilla-Moriles region. Wine is history, it is culture, but it also represents an economic activity and a source of employment essential for many of our towns."
