Eunghee Woo, the mayor of Yeongam County, visited the National Assembly to secure national budget support for key local projects for 2027.
During the visit, Woo requested funding for projects directly impacting residents, including improvements to the agricultural water supply system and the development of specialized local industries. He also urged for measures to stabilize local finances amid concerns about potential reductions in general grants due to the establishment of a new future response fund.
According to Yeongam County, Woo met with key lawmakers, including Seo Sam-seok, chair of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, Jeon Jin-sook, and Lee Kwang-jae, chair of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, to discuss national budget support for local projects and improvements to local finance systems.
This visit was timed with the National Assembly's review of next year's budget, aiming to secure necessary national funding for enhancing local infrastructure and strengthening agricultural competitiveness and future industry development.
Yeongam County has requested national budget support for seven projects, including funding for the design of a new Yeongam Police Station, modernization of the Yeongam Bus Terminal, the restructuring of the agricultural water supply system in the Mi-am area, expansion of research and storage facilities for the region's signature Daebong persimmon, establishment of an eco-friendly ship system, creation of the National Yeongam Forest Healing Center, and development of a historical park commemorating the Yeongam Anti-Japanese Farmers Movement.
Woo explained the urgency of these projects to Seo and Jeon, emphasizing the need for stable agricultural production and increased farmer incomes, and requested their support at the national level.
In particular, he proposed that the Mi-am agricultural water supply restructuring project be selected as a new initiative for 2027, with funding for preliminary design included, to address the imbalance in agricultural water supply in a region prone to drought.
He also requested support to enhance the competitiveness of Daebong persimmons, which face price drops due to concentrated harvests, stressing the need for stable storage, processing, and export facilities.
Additionally, Woo called for funding for feasibility studies and basic planning for the National Yeongam Forest Healing Center, which would leverage the area's excellent forest resources and local agricultural products.
Beyond securing national budget support for local projects, Woo raised concerns about the stability of local finances. He urged Lee Kwang-jae to reconsider the restructuring of general grants due to the establishment of the future response fund.
With recent declines in tax revenue leading to reduced grants, local governments face increased financial burdens. If general grant resources are also cut, it could hinder the provision of essential services and the execution of local projects.
Woo emphasized the importance of stable general revenue, particularly for rural areas with relatively weak tax bases, as financial demands continue to rise in response to population decline and aging.
He proposed maintaining the current general grant resources and distribution system, regardless of the future response fund's establishment.
If restructuring is unavoidable, he suggested delaying implementation by one year and developing financial support measures for local governments, as well as forming a government-wide task force involving local governments to discuss the direction of the reforms.
This visit to the National Assembly is noteworthy not only for seeking national budget support for local projects but also for advocating for a stable financial framework for local governments.
Eunghee Woo stated, "I will work hard until the National Assembly's budget review is complete to ensure that projects improving the daily lives of residents and preparing for Yeongam's future are reflected in next year's national budget. I will also strive to secure national funding for necessary projects and maintain the autonomy and stability of local finances."
Meanwhile, Yeongam County plans to continuously monitor the inclusion of budgets for key local projects during the National Assembly's review of the 2027 government budget and will continue discussions with relevant ministries and the National Assembly. The county aims to focus its administrative efforts on securing national funding for enhancing agricultural infrastructure, developing specialized local industries, and improving residents' living conditions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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