Taipei: The Legislature on Tuesday approved a special budget of NT$27 billion (US$859 million) to rebuild areas in Hualien County affected by flooding due to the overflow of Matai’an Creek’s barrier lake in September.
According to Focus Taiwan, the budget was passed without any dissent, maintaining the proposed NT$27 billion funding from 2025 to 2030. It includes a NT$3 billion reserve, staying within the NT$30 billion limit set by a reconstruction act approved on October 31. The flooding on September 23 was caused by Typhoon Ragasa’s rain and winds, leading to the overflow of Matai’an Creek’s barrier lake and affecting Guangfu Township and nearby regions.
The special act aims to expedite long-term recovery efforts, with funding secured through 2030. The budget earmarks NT$19.2 billion for economic development, NT$5.6 billion for community development and environmental protection, NT$1.5 billion for contingency funding, and NT$600 million for general administration.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to allocate NT$8.5 billion for water resource and river management projects. The focus will be on short-term measures such as dredging and clearing debris to enhance drainage capacity, and long-term plans involve constructing fortified levees to withstand debris flows.
Other significant projects include repairing damaged bridges, reinforcing slopes, rebuilding agricultural and public infrastructure, supporting temporary housing, and strengthening the power grid. The funding for these special budgets will be raised through government borrowing.
Lawmakers also passed several supplementary resolutions. One resolution, proposed by Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers, mandates Premier Cho Jung-tai to present a special report to the Legislature within two months. The report should address issues like barrier-dam safety, upstream sediment removal, river-basin treatment plans, and the utilization of funds.
A preliminary review of the budget was completed by a joint committee meeting on November 19. Cross-party negotiations led by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu on November 26 facilitated the final passage of the bill on Tuesday.