Milan, May 18th 2013 – «A key project like TEEM» explained CEO Stefano Maullu, «can only be the result of constant dialogue with the local area to ensure the infrastructure is properly integrated into the local socio-economic fabric, the environment is respected and any problems are resolved».
Today, at Tangenziale Esterna SpA’s Milan headquarters, the final agreements were signed between the company holding the concession to design, create and manage the Milan Outer Eastern Bypass (TEEM) and the Melzo and Pozzuolo Martesana municipalities. One of the key issues was the use of specific local building quarries to the east of Milan, while the question of funding for the compensation work – both environmental and for the local area – in both municipalities was also a sticking point.
In recent months, the Melzo municipality had advocated the closure of the quarries being used to build the Bypass, especially the site in the Gorgonzola area.
On 7 January 2013, the Regional Administrative Court for Lombardy had issued an order halting the use of the quarries, but on 12 February 2013, the Council of State granted TE’s application for authorization to continue using the approved quarries. However, TE chose to avoid new quarrying and sought dialogue instead.
The agreement reached today set out that the Gorgonzola site would no longer be used, with the sites in the Melzo and Pozzuolo Martesana areas being enlarged to make up for the gap that there would otherwise be in obtaining the materials needed to build the new road.
Today’s meeting also set out how the funding for the compensation work (environmental and for the local area) in the Melzo and Pozzuolo Martesana municipalities would be regulated.
All of the planned work was agreed with the local administrations in the framework agreement.
«The documents signed today» explained Maullu, «provide clear confirmation that it is possible to build strategic infrastructure without it simply being ‘decreed from above’. Instead, it can be agreed on with those people who live in the area every day. I would also like to thank the mayors for their willingness to work together. It was this that made it possible to end the legal disputes through constructive dialogue. I hope this will also guide our future actions».
