Dutch Town Battles for promised Funds Amidst Shifting Project Goals
Table of Contents
- 1. Dutch Town Battles for promised Funds Amidst Shifting Project Goals
- 2. A History of Ambition: From Saltwater Dreams to Freshwater Hopes
- 3. Impasse and Legal Recourse
- 4. The Broader Context: Regional Development and Funding Disputes
- 5. Comparing Project Timelines
- 6. “`
- 7. Interview: Marco Verbeek on Holwerd aan Zee’s Fight for Funds
- 8. An Archyde News Exclusive on Project Delays and Funding Disputes
- 9. The Shift in Project Scope and Provincial Concerns
- 10. Addressing Provincial Stance and Future Prospects
- 11. Broader Impacts and Lessons Learned
- 12. The Future of Holwerd aan Zee
By Archyde News Journalist
Holwerd aan Zee Initiative”>
Omrop Fryslân
HOLWERT – A dispute is brewing in teh Netherlands as the Stichting Holwerd aan Zee (Holwerd by the Sea Foundation) fights to ensure that millions of euros in promised regional development funds are used for thier intended purpose. The funds,initially earmarked for an enterprising project involving a saltwater lake and a breach in the dike near the village of Holwerd,are now at the center of a disagreement with the Fryslân provincial authorities.
The Stichting Holwerd aan Zee has filed an objection with the Provincie Fryslân, aiming to secure the €5 million (approximately $5.4 million USD) originally allocated from the Regio Deal. Their current proposal involves creating a 42-hectare (approximately 104-acre) freshwater lake near the village.
According to Marco Verbeek, a representative of Stichting Holwerd aan Zee, the proposed freshwater lake offers a multitude of benefits.”Zo’n meer is goed voor de natuur, goed voor de landbouw en ook goed voor de recreatie,” he stated, emphasizing the positive impact on the surroundings, local agriculture, and recreational opportunities.
Verbeek contests the assertion made by councilor Sijbe Knol that the Holwerd aan Zee civic initiative is defunct. “we maken geen gat meer in de dijk, maar afgezien daarvan bestaat Holwerd aan Zee volop,” Verbeek clarified, indicating that despite changes to the original plan, the core initiative remains active.
De provincie mag niet aan het geld komen dat van burgerinitiatief Holwerd aan Zee is.
Marco Verbeek, Stichting holwerd aan Zee
Verbeek emphasized that the Holwerd aan Zee Foundation applied for, and was promised, the contribution for Holwerd from the Regional Deal in the past. Last year, the Provincial Council decided not to contribute to Holwerd aan Zee as a province.
“De provincie kan zelf beslissen om niet bij te dragen, maar ze mogen niet aan het geld komen dat van burgerinitiatief Holwerd aan Zee is,” according to Verbeek. In essence, while the province has the right to withdraw its own contribution, it should not lay claim to funds specifically designated for the Holwerd aan Zee initiative.
A History of Ambition: From Saltwater Dreams to Freshwater Hopes
The initial vision for Holwerd aan Zee was far grander.The original plan involved breaching a dike to create a saltwater lake, reconnecting the somewhat isolated village with the Wadden Sea. this ambitious project was intended to revitalize the local economy and attract tourists to the area, much like similar coastal revitalization projects seen along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.
In 2020, the estimated cost for the saltwater lake project reached €63 million (approximately $68 million USD). The project secured notable funding commitments,including €8.3 million from the Waddenfonds, €10 million from the Provincie Fryslân, and a notable €15 million donation from the Nationale Postcode Loterij, presented by Ruud Gullit in February 2019.
Though, the lottery funds were specifically designated for the saltwater lake and dike breach and were thus never disbursed. The Provinciale Staten subsequently canceled its financial contribution last year.
Faced with thes setbacks, Stichting Holwerd aan Zee presented an alternative plan for a freshwater lake last year. To date,this revised proposal has not garnered the support of the province. Gedeputeerde (Councilor) Sijbe Knol stated, “Voor ons bestaat Holwerd aan Zee niet meer,” suggesting a complete withdrawal of support for the initiative.
Ze hebben tien jaar achter ons aan gelopen en nu laten ze ons stikken.
Marco Verbeek,Stichting Holwerd aan Zee
Impasse and Legal Recourse
The Holwerd community has been actively seeking a constructive dialogue with the province to resolve the impasse. Though, their attempts to secure a meeting with Councilor Knol have been unsuccessful, leading them to initiate a formal objection procedure with the Provincie Fryslân.
“Wij hebben al heel vaak aangegeven dat wij met de provincie willen praten. Omdat de provincie daar niet op reageert, stappen wij nu naar de bezwaarcommissie,” Verbeek explained.“Blijkbaar moeten wij deze stap zetten om te laten zien dat wij nog bestaan.”
The Stichting Holwerd aan Zee feels that the province’s current stance is inconsistent with its past enthusiasm and support for the citizen-led initiative. “Ze hebben tien jaar achter ons aan gelopen en nu laten ze ons stikken,” Verbeek lamented, highlighting the perceived abandonment after a decade of encouragement.
In an initial response to the objection, the provincial administration stated that it is confident in the objection procedure and will not comment further until the process is complete.
The Broader Context: Regional Development and Funding Disputes
the dispute in Holwerd highlights a broader issue in regional development projects: the potential for conflicts over funding allocation and project scope. Similar situations have occurred in the United states, where community initiatives reliant on federal or state funding face challenges due to changing political priorities, budget constraints, or disagreements over project implementation.
For example, coastal restoration projects in Louisiana, designed to combat erosion and protect communities from storm surges, have encountered funding delays and disputes over the allocation of resources. Like Holwerd aan Zee,these projects often involve multiple stakeholders with differing priorities,making consensus and progress challenging.
Comparing Project Timelines
| Project Phase | Original Saltwater Plan | Current Freshwater Proposal | Potential timeline Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Concept | 2015 | 2024 | 9 year difference |
| Funding Secured | 2019-2020 | Pending | Uncertain future funds |
| Projected Completion | 2025 (original target) | Unclear | Significant delays expected |
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Interview: Marco Verbeek on Holwerd aan Zee’s Fight for Funds
An Archyde News Exclusive on Project Delays and Funding Disputes
Archyde News: Mr. Verbeek, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you start by outlining the core issue currently facing Stichting Holwerd aan Zee regarding the regional growth funds?
marco Verbeek: Certainly.The basic issue is securing the €5 million initially promised to us from the Regio Deal. These funds were earmarked for the Holwerd aan Zee project in the past. We’ve adapted our plans, pivoting from a saltwater lake and dike breach to a freshwater lake. Despite this, we believe the allocated funds should still be ours.
The Shift in Project Scope and Provincial Concerns
Archyde News: The original vision, as we understand, was quite ambitious. How has the shift to a freshwater lake, as opposed to the initial saltwater lake plan, altered the project’s prospects and the funding landscape?
Marco Verbeek: The change was necessary based on evolving financial realities and environmental considerations. While the saltwater plan held important promise for revitalizing the Wadden Sea connection, the freshwater lake still delivers substantial benefits. It’s good for nature, local agriculture, and provides crucial recreational opportunities.The province’s unwillingness is disappointing, notably as they initially showed such enthusiasm.
Addressing Provincial Stance and Future Prospects
Archyde News: Councilor Knol has reportedly stated the province no longer recognizes Holwerd aan Zee. How does Stichting Holwerd aan Zee plan to counter or navigate this apparent withdrawal of support?
Marco Verbeek: We find Councilor Knol’s position puzzling,given the long history we’ve had with the province. We are actively seeking constructive dialogue, but our efforts to meet with Councilor Knol have thus far been unsuccessful. That led us to file an official objection with the Provincie Frýslan. We are hoping for a positive consideration. Moreover,we are looking at what positive steps can be taken within this situation.
Broader Impacts and Lessons Learned
archyde news: This situation reflects broader concerns with regional development projects. What lessons can be learned from the Holwerd aan Zee experience, and what advice would you give to othre community initiatives facing similar challenges regarding financial setbacks?
Marco Verbeek: Communication is key. Have the province on board. Be adaptable, but also prepared to advocate fiercely for your project and the funding you’ve been promised. Building community support is crucial, and maintaining detailed records of all agreements and communications is crucial as well.Be prepared for setbacks and pivot as needed, but hold firm on your core vision. Never compromise the fundamental principle.
The Future of Holwerd aan Zee
Archyde News: Looking forward , what are the next steps for Stichting Holwerd aan Zee, and what do you envision for the project in the coming years?
Marco Verbeek: Our immediate priority is the objection procedure with the province. We are optimistic that we will find a way moving forward with the funds. in the meantime, we will continue to refine our plans for the freshwater lake, seeking to maximize its impact and building momentum within the community. We hope to turn this project into a reality.
Archyde News: This is such a relevant case. Thank you Mr Verbeek for being a part of this interview.
