Russia to spend 190 billion rubles on Arctic development state program
© RIA Novosti. Aleksandr Lyskin

Russia to spend 190 billion rubles on Arctic development state program

The Russian Government will allocate over 190 billion rubles in 2018-2025 for the implementation of the state program Socioeconomic Development of the Russian Arctic Zone, according to a government press release.

The implementation will proceed in three stages. The initial, preparatory stage, will be completed this year.

"This stage involved coordinating federal and regional government bodies' activities on Arctic development issues; making the Arctic a separate area for statistical observation; and developing approaches and concepts for the establishment and functioning of the core development zones," the press release says.

The second stage will last from 2018 to 2020 and will include pilot projects for core development zones; launching a comprehensive system of information support for Russia's activities in the Arctic; and establishing an integrated secured telecommunications system for the transportation sector.

It also envisages the creation of radio-electronic equipment, an inter-regional system of collecting, processing and disseminating information for the entire Arctic territory; establishing (modernizing) a mobile system for the protection of the inland and water areas of seaports; technical support for the environmental maritime supervision; and improvement of the hydrometeorological network.

"The third stage, from 2021 to 2025, seeks to establish and make operational all core development zones; create a zonal Arctic system of monitoring and forecasting environmental emergencies and man-made accidents; establish forward-looking research potential and technologies (including for Arctic sea shelf exploration), etc.," the center for assisting the activities of the state commission reported.

The state program includes three subprograms: Forming and Making Operational Core Development Zones and Creating Conditions for Accelerated Socioeconomic Development of Russia's Arctic Zone; Developing the Northern Sea Route and Expanding Arctic Navigation; and Designing Equipment and Technologies for Oil and Gas Sector and Other Industries to Explore and Develop Mineral Resources in the Arctic Zone.

"Twenty-two measures are planned as part of the subprograms. Some measures are the prerogative of the Defense Ministry, which is also involved in implementing the state program," the press release says. The initial stage does not require any funding. Over 46 billion rubles will be allocated for the implementation of the second stage (including 12 billion rubles — for civilian projects), and over 144 billion rubles (including 58 billion rubles — for civilian projects) for the third stage.

The draft state program was prepared in line with the Russian President's and Government's directives and decisions of the State Commission for Arctic Development.

"Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said that all the state program's parameters have been coordinated and agreed with all agencies and organizations concerned. Work to raise private investment is underway," the press release says.