The Knesset Finance Committee this morning, approved the Prime Minister’s Office’s request for a NIS 1 billion budgetary transfer in 2007 in order to finance the Government plan for strengthening Haifa and the north. The Committee also authorized Government ministries to use up to an additional NIS 500 million.  This is in addition to the NIS 287 million that was allocated in 2006. The transfer is being carried out since all Government ministries have approved their working plans and in the framework of the comprehensive plan approved by the Cabinet for Strengthening Haifa and the North. 
 
The funds will be transferred to the various ministries and invested in dozens of projects.  The Education Ministry will receive NIS 240 million in order to strengthen the educational system in the north. The Industry, Trade and Employment Ministry will receive NIS 220 million in order to encourage investments and employment in the north. The Interior Ministry will receive NIS 450 million in order to assist local councils. See http://tinyurl.com/ypta7x for further details.