Finland grants largest funding allocation to Turku region for land use and transportation projects

The Finnish government has granted the Turku region the largest funding allocation in the country for land use, housing, and transportation initiatives. The total state financing for MAL agreement projects in the area amounts to €331 million. MAL agreements are contracts made between the government and major urban areas, defining which transportation projects will receive state funding.

The Turku region’s agreement includes the continuation of the tram planning, a public transport corridor, a public transport deck in Kupittaa, port rail access, the E18 ring road in Raisio, and improvements along Mt 180 Kurkela-Kuusisto. Additional funding will support public transportation services, including the Föli system.

To promote sustainable growth and development in the seven largest urban areas, a total of €572 million in state MAL funding will be allocated from 2024 to 2027, according to a regional government announcement. The Helsinki metropolitan area received the second-largest funding allocation for MAL projects, totaling €327 million. The Lahti urban area was awarded €108 million, making it the third-largest recipient.

Raisio, located next to Turku, has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the new agreement period, as the MAL agreement includes state funding for the Raisio city center tunnel. The government will finance approximately €150 million of the underground segment of the E18 road project. The Raisio city council is set to decide on the acceptance of the MAL agreement on Monday. Each municipal council must approve the MAL agreement separately.