Securing the Largest Wildfire Recovery Budget Ever
"All-Out Efforts for Rapid Return to Daily Life"
Im Miae, a proportional representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on May 2 regarding the recently passed supplementary budget of 13.8 trillion won, "We will help wildfire victims return to their daily lives as quickly as possible, ensuring that not a single resident is left behind."
Im Miae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at a meeting with residents regarding the massive wildfire damage in Yeongdeok County.
This supplementary budget was increased by 1.6 trillion won compared to the government’s original proposal, and the budget for wildfire damage restoration was also significantly expanded.
The disaster recovery fund related to wildfires was tripled from 500 billion won to 1.5 trillion won, and an additional 10 billion won was allocated for village-level restoration and regeneration projects.
Im explained, "We also increased the budget for agricultural machinery rental projects in rural areas by 2.4 billion won and for inorganic fertilizer support by 25.5 billion won, thereby actively supporting the recovery of agricultural production infrastructure."
For the residents of North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, and Ulsan?areas declared special disaster zones?those whose homes were completely destroyed will receive at least 100 million won in housing support, and the period for livelihood support for affected farming households will be extended to a maximum of 12 months. Eleven additional recommendations were included, such as expanding support for the demolition and restoration of factories and commercial buildings, and increased assistance for agricultural machinery.
On this day, the government finalized the total wildfire recovery budget at 1.9 trillion won through the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. This is more than four times the 417 billion won allocated during the 2022 East Coast wildfires, making it the largest amount ever.
The full cost of demolition and waste disposal for destroyed homes will be covered by the national government, and swift measures will be taken for the recovery of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners through budgets allocated to each ministry.
Im emphasized, "Support must be provided in a way that victims can truly feel," adding, "We will promptly activate the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Wildfire Countermeasures and pass the Special Act on Wildfire Damage Support."
Im Miae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is listening attentively to the residents affected by the forest fire in Cheongsong County during a meeting with them.
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