The town of Liège will benefit from an exceptional handout of 8,5 million euros over five years, to compensate losses due to the closure of ArcelorMittal. It will pay back just 2,8 million. This handout will be given by the Regional Centre of Commune Aid (Centre régionale d’aide aux communes (Crac), which compensates property losses and tax on motor power. Liège has been hit by the closure of ArcelorMittal, more precisely the sites at Chertal and Sclessin.
Between 2014 and 2018, the town will progressively benefit from a loan, which will total 8,57 million euros. But under favourable conditions, as it will only pay back 2,8 million.
This was voted on by the local council. It should announce a decision soon to start receiving it in 2014.
The commune of Oupeye also voted on a grant date for a similar handout at the end of September, for 12 million euros (it will pay back 4 million).
A similar proposition was made to other communes in Liège financially hit by the closure of ArcelorMittal, but not all have accepted yet.
(Source: Belga)
