Fukushima still needs money in years to come

April 21, 2015

Fukushima reconstruction bill estimated at ¥3.57 trillion once intensive period ends

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/21/national/fukushima-reconstruction-bill-estimated-at-%C2%A53-57-trillion-once-intensive-period-ends/#.VTeDlpPwmos

JIJI

FUKUSHIMA – At least ¥3.57 trillion will be needed to rebuild Fukushima over a five-year period starting in fiscal 2016 after the “intensive period” for post-disaster reconstruction, set by the government, ends in fiscal 2015, the prefectural government said Tuesday.

The estimate was unveiled at the daily meeting of the prefecture’s headquarters for promoting reconstruction. In light of the estimate, the prefectural government plans to seek financial support from the central government.

During the intensive period, the central government is to cover the cost of all reconstruction projects in the prefecture and all other areas damaged by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

“Reconstruction of disaster-hit areas will enter a crucial stage from now,” Fukushima Gov. Masao Uchibori said at the meeting, adding that his prefecture will work to secure reconstruction funds in a stable manner over the long term.

Fukushima is considering asking the central government to shoulder ¥2.49 trillion of the ¥3.57 trillion, excluding decontamination expenses, which the prefecture plans to charge to Tepco, and costs to be covered by reserve funds.