The South Korean government will support local governments with up to 95% of the costs for purchasing land from U.S. military bases that have been returned, in an effort to promote development in areas such as Uijeongbu and Dongducheon.
On June 30, the Ministry of Interior and Safety announced that the amendment to the "Special Law on Support for Areas Surrounding U.S. Military Bases" was approved during a Cabinet meeting. This amendment aims to reduce the financial burden on local governments in northern Gyeonggi Province and expand the creation of community facilities.
The key change in the amendment raises the maximum government funding for land purchases in returned military base areas from 80% to 95%. Previously, the government had provided 60% to 80% of the costs for local governments acquiring U.S. military base land.
Local officials have voiced concerns that prolonged stagnation in regional development due to national security considerations necessitates increased support from the central government to revitalize local development.
In response, the Ministry of Interior and Safety has proposed raising the funding limit to 95% for local governments purchasing land to develop roads, rivers, and parks in returned military base areas.
The amendment will take effect immediately upon promulgation. However, projects that have already received funding for land purchases will be subject to the previous regulations.
Minister of Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung stated, "This amendment reflects our government philosophy that areas that have made special sacrifices for national security deserve special support. We will ensure that the development of returned military base areas and the creation of community facilities proceed swiftly so that local residents can directly experience improvements in their quality of life."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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