Today, the Days of Murmansk Oblast started in the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia. At an extended meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government and Northern Affairs, Governor Andrei Chibis presented plans for the development of the region: housing, energy and social infrastructure of closed administrative-territorial entities, stimulating housing construction and supporting the core cities of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The discussion was attended by heads of federal ministries and departments, and a delegation from the region.

Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government and Northern Affairs Andrei Shevchenko emphasized that the development of Arctic territories and support for the population living there are among the most important state priorities.

Head of Mindalvostok Development Alexei Chekunkov noted that Murmansk Oblast occupies a special place in the work on developing Russia's Arctic zone.

"There is a special region in our Russian Arctic - Murmansk Oblast. With a population that makes up a quarter of the Arctic population, a key ice-free port, the largest in terms of cargo turnover, the Red Banner Northern Fleet, new investment projects, large industrial projects in the field of mineral fertilizers and hydrocarbons. The Murmansk Region is an absolutely fundamental, most important territory of the Russian Arctic. The region is a leader in attracting investment among Arctic entities. 207 residents of the preferential regime "Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation", 8 residents of the advanced development territory "Capital of the Arctic". Investment projects with a total volume of more than 380 billion rubles are being implemented here, creating 11 thousand jobs. We will certainly continue to closely interact and support the Murmansk Region in its development, relying on the Committee, the Federation Council," said Alexey Chekunkov.

The head of the Murmansk Region emphasized that such dynamics of the region's development became possible thanks to the coordinated work together with the federal government, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Federation Council.

"Since 2019, the GRP per capita has increased by 2.5 times, there is a large increase in investment. Industrial production has grown by 10.6%. The region ranks 2nd in the Northwestern Federal District in terms of investment growth. 900 billion have actually been invested in the region's economy. Projects worth more than a trillion rubles are in the preparation stage. The impetus for this was given by the tax regimes that we have - the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and the priority development area: businesses have great benefits by becoming residents of the free Arctic zone. It is important that more than 5 thousand jobs have been created recently, for the first time in many years we are seeing an increase in the working-age population. And we have seen a slowdown in the outflow. Murmansk is truly experiencing a rebirth thanks to the decisions made recently. Thank you to everyone who is actively involved in the working group on the development of the Arctic. We have focused on a number of priority areas, proposals for which we ask for support," the governor noted.

Among the first, the head of the region named the need to approve plans for the development of support cities in accordance with the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. Andrey Chibis noted that during a recent meeting of the working group on Arctic development under the State Council of the Russian Federation Commission, experts identified a number of approaches to their formation, which will be approved after revision.

"Murmansk is undoubtedly a reference. It is important that from 2025, action plans should be financed from the federal budget. And we understand that this will require a major discussion, including with the financial block of the Russian Government. We count on the support of the Federation Council so that this additional investment appears in the federal budget, in addition to the investments of companies and the region," Andrey Chibis addressed the Committee.

Another important area of ​​work announced by the governor is the renovation of closed administrative-territorial entities. Andrey Chibis noted that the military units of the Northern Fleet are actively participating in the SVO, successfully fulfilling their tasks. But the condition of housing and infrastructure in places of permanent deployment does not meet modern requirements. The region has begun work on their improvement at an accelerated pace: 14 billion rubles have been allocated over 4 years, 2/3 of which are from the regional budget. In particular, new sports complexes have already been built, apartments and roads are being repaired, courtyards are being improved, and infrastructure for children is being created.

“But much more is needed, taking into account the deployment of new forces. And we discussed this in July during the visit of President Vladimir Putin to the region. And we received the support of the head of state. As a result of the discussions, it was possible to achieve that at the federal level a decision has already been made to allocate 10 billion rubles over the next 3 years. In accordance with the President’s instructions, we are now cleaning out the final plan of renovation activities. Thank you for working with us on the sample. We ask you to continue supporting and take control so that there is a constant, predictable volume of support,” the head of the Murmansk region addressed his colleagues.

Speaking about the development of housing construction, Andrei Chibis emphasized that due to the lack of our own construction base, the cost of work in the North is 40-60% higher than in the central zone. 

"Today we have a high demand for housing due to economic growth. People need new buildings. But their cost is such that it is difficult to implement. Thanks to Mindalvostokrazvitiya - we received funding for the construction of two rental houses. Since July last year, we launched the "Own Home in the Arctic" program, which quickly revived the construction of individual housing in cities. Preferential mortgages will provide additional incentives. But I also ask you to discuss the possibility of returning support related to subsidizing the developer at the construction stage, this will help attract developers to the region," the governor commented.

Chairman of the regional Duma Sergei Dubovoy thanked the members of the relevant committee for effective cooperation with the Murmansk Regional Duma and support for legislative initiatives.

Speaking about the results of the meeting, the head of the Murmansk region thanked his colleagues for their support.

"The issues that we discuss at the Federation Council are the most priority and urgent tasks for the region. Today, without additional questions, everything that we planned at the Committee received the necessary support, we move on. We are preparing for the main plenary session, at which the decision of the Federation Council will be recorded, which will help us receive additional support from federal ministries and departments for the development of the region. Thanks to the Murmansk Region team for their thorough preparation and elaboration of all topics,” said Andrey Chibis.

/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region /

Photo: Press Service of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia