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Gov't approves construction of canal across Vistula Spit

PR dla Zagranicy
Alicja Baczyńska 25.05.2016 08:00
The Polish government has backed the construction of a strategic 1.3km link between the Vistula Lagoon and the Gdańsk Bay in the Baltic Sea.
Photo: wikipediaPhoto: wikipedia

Five metres deep, the canal is to allow deep-draught vessels to enter the Elbląg Seaport without passing through the Strait of Baltiysk, situated in Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.

The project, which will cost PLN 880 mln (nearly EUR 200 mln), is to be completed by 2022.

It is expected to boost the region's economic potential and provide jobs in shipping, logistics and tourism.

The construction plans, mooted by previous governments, have drawn extensive criticism from environmentalists, who argue that the undertaking would disrupt the migration routes of various animal species inhabiting the Vistula Spit or affect their natural habitats.

Also, the canal does not sit well with the residents of Krynica Morska, a tourist destination located on the Vistula Spit.

In April, the deputy minister for maritime economy, Krzysztof Kozłowski, announced that Poland would issue a report on the project's environmental impact by July. (aba/pk)

Source: PAP

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