Federal Council signs state treaty with Austria in Widnau SG
Published: Friday, May 17th 2024, 11:50
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Federal Councillor Albert Rösti (SVP) and the Austrian Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) signed a state treaty for a flood protection project on the Alpine Rhine (Rhesi) in Widnau SG on Friday. Both countries have pledged one billion Swiss francs each.
Switzerland and Austria are thus strengthening flood protection along the 26-kilometer section of the Rhine between the mouth of the Ill near Rüthi SG and Lake Constance.
To this end, protective structures will be built or renovated over the next 27 years, thereby increasing the discharge capacity of the Rhine. At the same time, the currently canalized river is to be made more natural.
The treaty was signed by Federal Councillor Rösti and Federal Minister Totschnig at a ceremony on the Wiesenrain Bridge, which connects the two municipalities of Widnau CH and Lustenau A across the Rhine.
The treaty is the fourth of its kind. In 1892, 1924 and 1954, Switzerland and Austria reaffirmed their joint commitment to the protection and use of the Alpine Rhine.
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