World Bank allots $50-mln grant to Ukraine for transport infrastructure repairs

MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax) - The World Bank announced on Friday the allotment of an extra $50-million grant for repairs and reconstruction of Ukrainian transport infrastructure, enhanced capacity of export-import corridors, and humanitarian assistance.

The Ukrainian media quoted the World Bank's statement as saying that half of the money would be received by the recently established state agency for reconstruction of bridges.

The grant will supplement the $535-million loan approved by the bank earlier.

The reports say that the Relinc project of reconstruction and connection of main logistic infrastructure envisages the procurement of modular bridges, equipment and materials for urgent repairs of damaged road connections to bridges and crucial railroad lines. Assistance will also be provided for purchasing flatcars and additional rolling stick.

Relinc is funded via the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), established by the World Bank to coordinate grants for projects in Ukraine and humanitarian assistance. Austria, Iceland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland are the contributors.