Following the permanent commission that took place on Friday, February 12, 2021, the Departmental Council, through Charles Ange Ginésy, decided on an increase of 400,000 € for businesses affected by storm Alex.
Despite its passage in early October last year in the Alpes-Maritimes, storm Alex is still in the memories and still a topic of conversation. Many damages have been observed, especially with houses destroyed by the strength of the rains and currents, automobile equipment, and natural destruction, but also a huge impact on businesses around much of the Roya Valley. Currently, industrial and agricultural businesses are still struggling to recover.
The Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council had immediately mobilized to assist them right from October 9. A step well remembered by Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes department: “Storm Alex caused unprecedented damage in our valleys, especially impacting many businesses that have been without activity since October 2. As of October 9, 2020, we established an exceptional emergency fund of 2.5 M€” he recalled. At the beginning of this year, businesses are once again sounding the alarm.
A fund consumed over 85%
Despite this generous help from the department, more than 400 businesses have already benefited, and the funds are depleting rapidly. Fortunately, solidarity and anticipation are at hand. In order to respond positively to the cases under review and maintain the same level of aid for all the businesses affected by the storms, the departmental councilors voted for an additional endowment. The exact amount of 400,000 € will provide new assistance for businesses in trouble.
The department is motivated, just like Eric Ciotti, deputy, president of the Finance Commission of the department, who wished to remind: “I want to remind everyone affected by this tragedy that our community, a community of solidarity, stands behind them.” After the passage of storm Alex, the commitments continue. Since the beginning, 1600 families have been assisted, as well as the rehousing of 179 households in emergency accommodation. In the valleys, the total commitment of the Metropolis amounts to 2.9 M€.
