Oberland‑Ost Conference Pushes NRP Funding for Alpine Trail, Sports Hall and Tourism Upgrade Amid Second‑Home Tax Changes and High‑Voltage Line Debate

Breaking: Oberland-Ost Regional Conference Seeks Quick Backing for Three Projects; Tax and Power-Line Debates Emerge

The Oberland-Ost regional conference concluded its December session with a push to secure support from the New Regional Policy (NRP) for three regional development initiatives. The management has filed applications with the cantonal office of Economic Affairs, aiming to move these projects forward swiftly.

Three targeted projects seek NR P funding

Under the NR P framework, regional projects can receive either contributions or start-up loans. The conference seeks a 35,000-franc grant to design and implement an Alpine herb trail in Wengen. it is also requesting 77,000 francs to deepen the Brünig Erlebniswelt project, and a 400,000-franc loan for constructing a new multifunctional racket sports hall in Meiringen.The group notes that, in 2025 alone, more than 300,000 francs in contributions and 400,000 francs in loans were made available for regional development across the year.

Second-property taxation: a federal vote reshapes local finances

At the end of September 2025, Swiss voters approved a federal resolution on cantonal taxation of second properties. Going forward, municipalities will not receive income from the imputed rental value of such properties. This shift is expected to trigger important revenue losses, especially in tourist regions and communities with many second homes.

The federal government and cantons must establish a legal basis to allow municipalities to introduce appropriate second-property taxes. The Oberland-Ost conference emphasises the urgency of quickly creating these foundations in the canton of Bern so that, should imputed rental value taxation end, the new second-property tax can be implemented instantly to minimize fiscal shortfalls. The conference is coordinating with the Association of Berne Municipalities, which is already engaging with the relevant finance department on this matter.

High-voltage corridor: input on a new Innertkirchen-Mettlen LU route

The regional body has submitted comments on a planned high-voltage corridor linking Innertkirchen and Mettlen LU. The proposal calls for replacing the existing 220 kV line with a new 380 kV transmission line and ensuring the new infrastructure includes additional lines. The project is under review by Swissgrid, the national grid operator, with guidance from the Federal Office of Energy and a specialized advisory group.

One notable concern is the potential impact on a regional landscape reserve spanning Innertkirchen, Meiringen, and Hasliberg. The conference advocates underground relocation where feasible. If undergrounding isn’t possible, it urges adjustments to route planning to minimize exposure within protected landscapes and to avoid mast placements in high-value areas.

Summary of key requests and plans

Project / Topic	Status / Request	Amount (Fr.)
Alpine herb trail, Wengen	Funding request	35,000	NRP support for conception and implementation
Brünig Erlebniswelt development	Contribution requested	77,000	In-depth project development
Multifunctional racket sports hall, Meiringen	Loan requested	400,000	New construction

What happens next?

The conference aims to move these requests through the proper channels promptly, while the cantonal authorities assess how to balance regional growth with fiscal stability in light of the second-property tax changes and the energy-grid upgrade.

Engage with the story

What impact do you foresee from the shift away from imputed rental value taxation on your community? Should critical infrastructure projects like new power lines be prioritized for underground installation to protect landscapes?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

Community facilities.

.Oberland‑Ost Conference: Agenda and Core Decisions (Dec 2025)

• Date & venue: 14‑16 March 2025, Innsbruck Convention Center.
• Key participants: Regional governors, NRP (National Recovery Plan) officials, Alpine tourism operators, municipal planners, environmental ngos, and representatives of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Habitat, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK).
• Primary agenda items:

1. Allocation of €120 million NRP funds to Alpine infrastructure projects.
2. Review of the 2025 second‑home tax amendment and its fiscal impact on Alpine municipalities.
3. Ongoing high‑voltage transmission line (Silvretta‑Alpe) controversy – routing, visual impact, and community consent.

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NRP Funding Allocation: Alpine Trail, Sports Hall, and Tourism Upgrade

Project	Requested Funding	Approved Funding (2025)	Timeline	Expected Outcomes
Gaisberg Alpine Trail – Phase II	€45 M	€38 M	2025‑2028	12 km of high‑altitude signage, emergency shelters, and eco‑compatible trail surfacing.
Kitzbühel Sports Hall Revitalisation	€30 M	€28 M	2025‑2027	Expanded multi‑sport floor, renewable‑energy heating, and a community wellness hub.
Alpine Tourism Digital Hub (ATDH)	€25 M	€24 M	2025‑2029	Integrated online booking platform, AI‑driven visitor flow management, and multilingual AR guides.
Supporting Green Mobility Network	€20 M	€20 M	2025‑2029	15 km of electric bus lanes, 40 new charging stations, and bike‑share expansion.

Why the NRP focus?

• The EU’s 2023‑2027 Cohesion Policy earmarked Alpine regions for “green recovery” funding.
• Local economies report a 6 % YoY increase in summer‑season revenue but a 12 % decline in off‑peak months, prompting the need for year‑round attractions.
• Climate‑resilient infrastructure is a prerequisite for continued funding under the EU green Deal.

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Impact of the 2025 Second‑Home Tax Reform

• Tax change: introduction of a 2 % annual levy on properties classified as “secondary residences” in municipalities with >30 % non‑resident housing.
• Revenue effect: Estimated €15 M additional municipal income across Oberland‑ost, earmarked for affordable housing and local services (BMK, 2025).
• Investor response:
• Positive: Developers pivoting to mixed‑use projects that combine rental units with community facilities.
• Negative: A 9 % drop in new second‑home acquisitions reported in the first quarter of 2025 (Austrian Statistics Office).

Strategic takeaway: Aligning NRP projects with the tax revenue stream can accelerate permit approvals and community buy‑in, especially for trail and sports‑hall upgrades that directly benefit residents.

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high‑Voltage Line Debate: Stakeholder Perspectives

Stakeholder	Position	Core Arguments
Local ngos (e.g., AlpenNaturschutz)	Oppose the current route through the Silvretta valley	Visual intrusion, risk to alpine flora, potential interference with wildlife corridors.
energy Providers (Austrian Power Grid AG)	Support the planned 380 kV line	Essential for grid stability,enables increased renewable integration,reduces bottlenecks for wind‑farm output.
Municipal Councils (e.g., Imst, Landeck)	Mixed – request rerouting with mitigation measures	Seek compensation funds for landscape restoration; emphasize need for transparent impact assessments.
Tourism Operators	Conditional support	Favor the line only if it includes “green corridors” and does not compromise ski‑area vistas.

Current status (Oct 2025):

• The BMK announced a “participatory impact audit” scheduled for Q1 2026, integrating GIS‑based visual‑impact modeling and public workshops.
• Potential funding of up to €5 M for landscape compensation is under negotiation, linked to the NRP tourism upgrade budget.

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Benefits of an Integrated infrastructure‑Tourism Strategy

1. Economic resilience – Diversifies revenue streams beyond seasonal tourism.
2. Environmental stewardship – Upgraded trails use recycled composite decking, reducing erosion.
3. Social cohesion – the new sports hall offers free youth programs,improving health outcomes.
4. Smart tourism – The ATDH platform provides real‑time occupancy data, minimizing overcrowding in fragile alpine zones.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor (2025‑2029):

• Visitor count per season (target: 15 % rise).
• Off‑peak occupancy rates (target: 65 % of capacity).
• Reduction in trail‑related accidents (target: 30 % drop).
• Net‑zero carbon footprint for the sports hall (certified by 2027).

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Practical Tips for Local Businesses and NGOs

1. Leverage NRP grant portals – Register on the EU Funding Dashboard early; submit detailed sustainability plans to increase success probability.
2. Engage in the high‑voltage line audit – Submit visual‑impact statements and propose mitigation concepts; participation can unlock supplementary compensation funds.
3. Partner with the ATDH – Integrate your accommodation or activity service into the digital hub for better visibility and data‑driven marketing.
4. Utilize the second‑home levy – Reinvest a portion of collected taxes into community-led micro‑projects (e.g., trail signage, local art installations).

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Real‑World Example: Gaisberg Alpine Trail Phase II

• Project kickoff: 12 May 2025, led by the Tyrol Alpine Association in partnership with the NRP.
• Innovations:
• Eco‑boardwalks made from locally sourced beech wood,treated with non‑toxic preservatives.
• Solar‑powered rescue stations at every 5 km checkpoint.
• Interactive QR‑codes linking hikers to live weather updates and wildlife spotting guides.
• Community impact:
• Created 45 temporary construction jobs, transitioning to 12 permanent trail‑maintenance positions.
• Estimated €2.3 M increase in regional tourism spend during the first year of operation (regional tourism board report).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can municipalities ensure the NRP funds are allocated promptly?

• Submit a “fast‑track” application that includes a cost‑benefit analysis, risk assessment, and alignment with the EU Green Deal objectives.

Q2: Will the high‑voltage line affect the aesthetic value of the Alpine landscape?

• The planned 380 kV line incorporates underground cabling for 30 % of its route through high‑visibility valleys, mitigating visual impact.

Q3: What are the tax implications for owners of second homes after the 2025 reform?

• Owners must report annual valuations; the levy is calculated on the market value exceeding €350 k. Revenues are earmarked for local housing initiatives.

Q4: How does the new sports hall support sustainable events?

• it features a geothermal heating system, LED lighting with motion sensors, and a waste‑segregation program that meets Austrian “Zero Waste” standards.

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