The Baix Empordà will receive over €1.4 million from the Catalan government under the new 2025–2029 Unified Plan for Public Works and Services (PUOSC), aimed at improving local infrastructure and economic development. The funding forms part of a broader initiative that doubles the previous allocation, raising the total budget across Catalonia to €500 million.

Begur is set to receive nearly €544,000 for five infrastructure projects, including upgrades to sewage systems, drinking water networks, and road surfacing on streets including Font de Baix, Dalmai Bernat, Son Rich, and Son Moles. The town’s Casino Cultura will also undergo renovation.

The Baix Empordà County Council will receive a fixed allocation of €512,195 to reorganise its Economic Promotion offices, improve energy efficiency in the heating system at Can Salamó building, construct a pergola on the first-floor terrace, and modify interior layouts and windows on upper floors.

The decentralised municipal body of L’Estartit will receive €375,000 to resurface streets including Devesa, Pedrosa, Emporium, Eivissa, and the Primavera access area.

Support for rural municipalities

A key feature of the new PUOSC is a dedicated funding line for rural areas: all municipalities with fewer than 2,000 residents will receive an additional flat grant of €110,000. According to the Generalitat, this aims to strengthen local public services, counter depopulation, and support community stability in rural zones.

Unlike previous rounds, municipalities no longer compete for funds. The new model establishes non-competitive allocations based on population size, giving councils greater autonomy in selecting and managing projects.

This new model represents a 'radical change' compared to previous calls, both in terms of resources and distribution.

Xavier Amor, Secretary for Local Governments and Relations with Aran, highlighted that the updated approach simplifies access and removes scoring mechanisms that previously complicated applications, a long-standing request from local administrations.

Co-financing structure by population

The Generalitat will cover between 50% and 95% of project costs depending on municipality size:

  • Up to 95% for towns up to 1,000 inhabitants
  • 90% for 1,001–2,000 residents
  • 80% for 2,001–5,000
  • 75% for 5,001–10,000
  • 70% for 10,001–50,000
  • 50% for municipalities over 50,000

The PUOSC, managed by the Department of the Presidency through the Secretariat for Local Administrations and Relations with Aran, supports town councils, county councils, decentralised entities, and inter-municipal consortia. Consortia may pool their individual allocations toward shared initiatives if member councils agree.

Further details on the PUOSC 2025–2029 are available via the official Generalitat portal.

Primary sources: govern.cat, municat.gencat.cat. Reported by diaridegirona.cat, M.F, Gisela Boada, lavanguardia.com, Sílvia Biosca Alcaldesa de Pineda de Mar, ACN, A.S, Diari de Girona.