Hwasun County Mayor Im Ji-rak visited the National Assembly to discuss key local development projects and seek support for the region's future growth.
On September 8, Hwasun County reported that Mayor Im met with 15 offices from five National Assembly committees and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, presenting eight major projects for Hwasun.
The proposed projects include: the expansion of the Dongbok Dam related to the Southwest Semiconductor Cluster, collaboration to attract materials, parts, and equipment companies; inclusion of the 'Gwangju-Hwasun Metropolitan Railway' in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan; construction of the Gwangju 3rd Ring Expressway (Naju-Hwasun-Damyang) and the Gwangju-Goheung Expressway (via Hwasun IC) in the 3rd Highway Construction Plan; provision of land for economic revitalization in areas affected by early mine closures; designation of a regional advanced medical complex; lifting of agricultural preservation status for the Hwasun Samcheon District urban development project; and national funding support for the Hwasun County Nursing Hospital.
During his meeting with Shin Jeong-hoon and Seo Wang-jin from the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee, Mayor Im explained the county's position regarding the Dongbok Dam expansion as part of the semiconductor cluster initiative.
He specifically requested the exploration of practical cooperation measures that prioritize the compensation of residents affected by the dam's expansion.
Mayor Im also urged Lee Yong-seon, Mo Gyeong-jong, and Jo In-cheol from the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee to ensure the Gwangju-Hwasun Metropolitan Railway construction project is included in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, which is a key infrastructure project connecting Gwangju and Hwasun.
In meetings with Park Hee-seung and Jeong Jin-wook from the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, he emphasized that Hwasun is the optimal location for a semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment industrial complex.
He also proposed to Seo Sam-seok, Moon Geum-joo, and Lee Gae-ho the lifting of agricultural preservation status for the planned site of the Hwasun Samcheon District urban development project to accommodate new housing demand and create a pleasant living environment in response to the semiconductor cluster.
Mayor Im stated, “To enhance local development and improve the quality of life for residents, we will strengthen our cooperation with the National Assembly and government agencies, ensuring we secure the growth drivers for Hwasun's new leap forward.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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