Costs and Planning

A new budget has been drawn up for continuation of The Frisian Lakes project, in 2010. Another € 210 million is required for completion of the project, approximately one third of which will be financed by the province. Other sources of finance have been sought from the national government Fund for Economic Structural reinforcement, European funds, participating municipalities and other parties.

The continuation plans of the Frisian Lakes project have had positive effects on the Frisian economy. However, the Frisian Lakes project also wishes to invest in nature and the landscape. Studies have shown that some projects may be detrimental to natural values. Easing measures may help at many locations (mitigation), in some cases other choices must be made in order to protect vulnerable species. In such cases, the Frisian Lakes project wishes to make extra investments in nature quality. For example, by guaranteeing nesting areas for water birds and by ensuring effective cohesion between the natural areas in the Frisian Lakes region. Connecting zones must be constructed in order to achieve the latter, these are 'green roads' along which animals can continue to move freely. Just like the recreational boats. The costs of such measures will be 10 to 20 million Euros, of a total estimated investment of € 495 million in the Frisian Lakes project.

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