Israel to fund northern sector
After decades of neglect, the Israeli government has put forth a NIS 15 billion plan to revamp the north; plan includes upgrading schools, SMB loans, and a light rail between Haifa and Nazareth.
The money will come from various government agencies, as well as the Jewish National Fund.
The money will be used to support infrastructure projects, promote business and industry in the region, fix the public health care system, strengthen local governments, and help improve education. Key IDF bases will also be moving to the north.
The deal was done with the coordination of various government ministries, as well as by working with the various regional councils.
According to the plan, NIS 600 million will be invested into getting financial services companies to set up in the north, and will also be used in grants which will increase productivity and growth in the sector. Small and medium sized businesses located in the north will be the recipients of grants, and tourism initiatives will be funded as well.
Meanwhile, NIS 12 billion will be used on infrastructure projects, including upgrading roads, building a light rail between Haifa and Nazareth, expanding the Metronit bus system in Haifa to outlying areas, and more.
A further billion shekels will be used to improve the education system in the north. NIS 930 million will be allocated to upgrading health services in the north.
