Reported 7 months ago
Transportation Minister Li Meng-Yan expressed in a media interview today the challenging aspects of major transportation construction projects, highlighting the significant amount of funding required and the need for careful evaluation including environmental impact assessments and technological feasibility. The proposed Eastern Taiwan development special acts include regulations for the Eastern Expressway construction, the Round-Island High-Speed Railway construction, and the eastward extension of National Freeway No. 6 in Hualien. Minister Li emphasized that the construction may face obstacles such as passing through ecologically sensitive areas, encountering areas with geo-thermal temperatures reaching up to 70 to 150 degrees for 7 kilometers, as well as the necessity of obtaining consent from local tribal communities. He stated that even if the special acts are passed, without passing the environmental impact assessments or gaining tribal consent, the regulations would not have the desired impact.
Source: YAHOO