The issues of development of the Murmansk transport hub were included in the agenda of the Polar Commission of the Murmansk region

September 5, 2014 under the chairmanship of the candidate for the post of Governor of the Murmansk region from the "UNITED RUSSIA" political party Marina Kovtun the first meeting of the Polar Commission for Economic Council under the Governor of the Murmansk region took place. The purpose of the foundation of the commission is to assist in creating of favorable socio-economic conditions for life and work in the Arctic, in particular, through the formation of optimal regional legal field. The Commission consolidates the efforts of representatives of local authorities, expert and scientific community, leading enterprises and companies operating in the Arctic.

According to the participants’ opinion, the Murmansk region should become the centre of the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. With the assistance of partners in the near future in the region there  will be created the centre for Arctic technology and the center for training specialists in the sphere of oil production, the unique research work will continue, as well as the work on the development of the Murmansk transport hub will be strengthened.

This major infrastructure project is being implemented also with the support of "UNITED RUSSIA” political party project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea capital of Russia", which focuses its efforts on promoting the development of transport potential of the country. The port of Murmansk is the most Northern among ice-free ports in Russia and due to its unique geographical position, is one of the key global transport corridors between Asia, Europe and the North American continent.

According to the first Deputy Governor of the Murmansk region, co-chairman of the Polar Comission, and the regional coordinator of the project "St. Petersburg - the Sea capital of Russia" Alexei Tyukavin, modernization of transport links in the region is a key to the successful implementation of the whole complex of tasks for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

The participants of the meeting of the Polar Commission discussed the stages of implementation of two major transport infrastructure projects – valid all year-round deep-sea hub-center for cargo handling and cruise tourism development in the Murmansk region.

The co-chairman of the Polar Comission, the Chief Executive Officer of JSC “MAGE” Gennadiy Kazanin stressed that this year the amount of research in the Arctic ocean dramatically increased, and seismic surveys, which were held by our scientists for the first time, deserve special attention.

The members of the Polar Commission approved a plan for further actions and forwarded the package of proposals to the Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea capital of Russia" with the aim of bringing stakeholders to the discussion of the Murmansk initiatives within the public events of the Project that regularly take place at the Federal level and are platforms for the formation of public resolutions on the issues of development of transport potential of the country.

The sea transport infrastructure of the Crimea is at the agenda of the “UNITED RUSSIA”

Relevance of establishment of the Public Commission for the development of yachting in the Crimea was dictated by the issues being faced by marinas of the peninsula because of joining of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia and dissemination of Russian regulations on Yacht Navigation. The transition to the new order led to the fact that about 60% of yachts with foreign flags in summer 2014 left the Crimean marinas. This caused a decrease in the employment of the population, freezing of the coastal infrastructure development projects, lowering of the level of touristic attractiveness of the region.

This fact did not go unnoticed for the “United Russia”. Within the projects “Clean water” and “Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia” the special Public Meeting took place on August 15, 2014, which was attended by member of the Federation Council from the Republic of Crimea O.F. Kovitidi, representatives of the authorities, the public concerned, mass media. As a result, the Public Commission was created for the development of urgent measures to mitigate the transition of yacht tourism of Crimea to the new rules and the creation of the most favorable regime for the development of yachting.

Authority of the Commission Coordinator was delegated to the Deputy Coordinator of the project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", the head of the project "Clean Water", deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vladimir Potsyapun.

At the beginning of September, 2014 the first package of specific proposals for making changes in laws and regulations of the Russian Federation was sent to all specialized authorities. They wait for the estimation of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Crimea, the Ministry of Transport of the RF, the Border Guard Service of the FSB of the RF, State Inspectorate for Small Vessels of EMERCOM of Russia, etc. Besides, the authorities presented “The Concept of the development of yachting in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol”, prepared by leaders of the “Yachting development association” (the Crimea).

Currently the full composition of the Public Commission is also being formed: representatives of state and local authorities interested in the development of yachting in the Russian Federation, representatives of public interested organizations of the Russian Federation and the industry experts are invited to join it.

Vladimir Potsyapun expressed confidence that constructive initiatives formed at the base of party projects, will have a significant impact on the creation of a favorable investment climate, increasing the tourism potential, improvement in the labor market, and as a result, improvement of the quality of life in Russia as a whole, and in particular in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Kurgan region increases its transport-transit potential

In the summer of 2014 a series of public events, the purposes of which are synchronized with the theme of party’s project “Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia” was held in the Kurgan region. The purposes include the development of transport and transit potential, the safety and staffing of transport complex, protection of the environment.

On 23 June at the base of Public Chamber of the Kurgan region the expanded meeting was held, during which there was a public discussion of the implementation of regional policy in the natural resource management and environmental protection, inter alia, the program “The environmental management and protection of the environment in 2014-2020” launched in 2014.

In August 2014 the concept of creating the transport and logistics complex in the Urals Federal District, in the territory of Trans-Urals was developed in the Kurgan region. Such a center lets increase the international transport and logistic opportunities of Russia, optimize the movement of cargo flows and increase the economic efficiency of transport in the Urals Federal District, give the economic multiplier effect of the regional development.

The idea of such a transport and logistic center establishment within the PPP was supported by the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin during the meeting with the Acting Governor of the Kurgan region A.G. Kokorin on 15 August 2014. The President of the Russian Federation gave instructions to further development of the proposal.

The round table, where the public discussion of concept of creating the transport and logistics complex was organized, was held within the development of this initiative on 20 August headed by the Deputy Governor of the Kurgan region, the regional coordinator of the project “Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia” Vadim Shumkov.

The event was attended by representatives of public organizations, experts, federal and regional authorities, the business elite of the region. The participants of the meeting stressed the relevance and importance of the implementation of this construction project, which will make the Kurgan a convenient "transit point" for cargos coming from China and Kazakhstan to the Urals Federal District.

The result of the public discussion was the development of proposals, which will be included in the concept of the development of regional transport infrastructure after the additional financial and technical study. Proposals of the round table in the Kurgan will be also included in the draft of the final public resolution of the project “Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia”, which will be sent to the Government of the Russian Federation.

Ecotourism is gaining popularity in Russia

Party project “Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia” became a partner of the II International ecotourism Forum “Hedgehog”, which takes place from 3 to 5 of September in the Republic of Komi. The Forum is held under the personal patronage of the Head of the Republic of Komi V.M.Gaizer.

The project “Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia, existing since 2006, brings to the public agenda the most actual issues related to the development of transport infrastructure. One of them is to ensure environmental safety.
The II International ecotourism Forum “Hedgehog” has a special mission – assistance to the development of Russian nature-based tourism. This issue is of current interest not only for the Republic of Komi, but also for all the regions of the Russian Federation, because the formation of tourist potential of the country directly depends both on the state of environment and the development of the transport infrastructure.

During the Forum there was the Public meeting which participants discussed the issues of development and promotion of nature-based tourism in the region. Faction leader of the political party "UNITED RUSSIA" in the State Council of the Komi Republic, Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Ecology, Alexander Makarenko presented a paper on "Environmental and legal aspects of the development of ecotourism in protected natural territories of the Republic of Komi." Representatives of government, public and commercial organizations focused their attention on the development of tourism infrastructure in municipal areas.

Solutions developed in the course of the Public meeting will be carefully considered by the authorities for the implementation of specific measures to strengthen the region's environmental security and will be a sound investment in the creation of a favorable climate in the Russian tourist, inter alia, in the Republic of Komi.

New Regional Coordinator of the Project "St. - Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" was appointed in the Tyva Republic – First Deputy Chairman of the Government – M. Kozlov

By the Head – the Chairman of the Government of the Tyva Republic Sholban Kara-oola decision Mikhail Kozlov was assigned as a Regional Project Coordinator in the Republic.

Mikhail Kozlov expressed his gratitude form the Government of Tyva for the invitation to become a member of the regional participants’ unity of the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party Project "St. - Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia”.

“The Government of the Tyva Republic accepted an offer from V. Tulpanov, the Chairman of the “UNITED RUSSIA ” Party Project "St. - Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia” , with a great interest and gratitude.

We consider this project as giving real opportunities for current issues solutions – with the revival of water transportations, regional water basin environment, manpower training for work in that sphere.

We are convinced that the party initiative will give essential results for our Republic. And if St. - Petersburg – is a recognized sea capital of Russia , our Kyzyl is the upper gate of Yenisey” - concluded Mikhail Kozlov.

Let us recall, that the institute of the Regional Coordinators of Party Project "St. - Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia” was introduced by the initiative of the Project Coordinator – Arthur Chilingarov in 2011. At present, 45 subjects of the Russian Federation are regional participants of the Project.

New step in Arctic ecosystem preservation

The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev signed an order to create a conservation area of state nature reserve “Wrangel Island” in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and establich federal state unitary enterprise "Sailyugem National park"

In the framework of its direction “Ecology”, “United Russia” Party Project “St.Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia” annually submits offers to improve eco-effectiveness of the economy to profile ministries and subdepartments. The participants if the II International Conference «St.Petersburg – the Sea Capital of RUSSIA. Ecology» recommended designing mechanisms to preserve biological diversity of arctic flora and fauna with the possibility of specially protected nature zones network expansion. In accordance with Project participants’ opinion perfecting the state of the present laws in ecological sector will help to develop effective measures to environment preservation and its rational management.

As the press-service of the Government of the Russian Federation reports, the aim of  “Wrangel Island” state nature reserve conservation area creating is to preserve nature functioning conditions of coastal sea and island Arctic nature complexes, conserve and study typical and unique ecosystems of the island part, secure whitebear and sea mammals habitats from harmful anthropogenic impact and insure conditions for ecotourism development in Russian part of Arctic. The conservation zone of this reserve will be created on the part of contiguous to Wrangel Island Southern coast 12-mile zone of territorial waters and the part of territorial sea of the Russian Federation that does not attribute to the territory of the state nature reserve “Wrangel Island”  and contiguous to reserve territory 24-mile-wide exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation round Wrangel and Herald islands.

President of JSC Russian Railways, Yakunin and, Governor of the Khabarovsk krai, Shport launched a new tunnel on the Baikal-Amur Mainline

New Kuznetsov tunnel on the Baikal-Amur Mainline, which traffic was opened by Russian Railways concept, is to remove obstacles on the way to Vanino and Sovetskaya Gavan. The renewable road sector traffic capacity will be 19 million tons load next year and 35,5 million tons  by 2016.

On Tuesday the traffic on the Far Eastern Railway sector Oune – Visokogornaya was opened with the reconstructed Kuznetsov tunnel. This sector is located on the branch that joins Komsomolsk-upon-Amur with Vanino and Sovetskaya Gavan ports. Previously complicated relief was capable to let trains weighting no more than 4 hundred tons, there were also important limitations on speed. On the ceremony of new Kuznetsov tunnel 3,89 km-length opening president of JSC Russian Railways Yakunin made a point that only one part of the job is done. As he said, for the second part of the project reconstruction they will need 36 billion rub approximately. The continuing of the reconstruction process means building special approaches, double-track sections opening, lengthening the stations and building two-lane sectors. This part is accounted by2016. Yakunin added that the resource for the construction can be investment tariffs as well as state subsidies.

The Governor of the Khabarovsk krai, Vyacheslav Shport explained that with launching new railway object the idea of Sovgavan sea port special economic zone gets a new impulse for development, while total krai budget proceeds can double. In SPSEZ there are terminals for export loads transshipment and ship-repair and recycling plants planned.

Let us notice, that the participants of the international conference “Transport and Transit potential-2011”, held in the framework of the «United Russia» Party Project «Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia» submit an offer to render governmental support to material and technical basis of Far Eastern and Siberian ports development. In order to stir up Far Eastern transport industrial complex activity, in particular, transport industrial junction of Vanino-Sovetskaya-Gavan, sea port special economic zone “Sovetskaya Gavan” was recommended to take a number of measures by the Government of the Russian Federation. That suggestion was reflected in a final resolution of the event, sent to the profile federal subdepartments and the bodies of legislative authority.

Russian Railways JSC and Perm Territory will collaborate closely in rail transport sector development

The Governor of Perm Territory Victor Basargin and the President of Russian Railways JSC Vladimir Yakunin signed an agreement on interaction and collaboration in rail transport sector in 2013-2016. Signing an agreement will expedite realization of all principle projects related to the development of rail transport and infrastructure in Perm Territory.

The sides agreed that with investments attraction the following projects should be realized: construction of a new railway station in Berezniki and Southern rail roundabout way of Perm city, development of transport infrastructure of the Osentsov industrial centre, construction of a new railway line in the framework of project “Belkomur” realization.

Let us notice, that railway mainline “Belkomur” project realization, partly crossing Perm territory, is being actively discussed and supported in the framework of the «UNITED RUSSIA» Party Project «Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia». During 5 last years the project  has come as an expert platform, coordinating centre in some way, organizing interregional cooperation and interaction among authority’s representatives and business to manage  current  issues  and complete the construction of this imperative railway artery of Russia.

Besides, Russian Railways and regional authorities also came to an agreement in other directions of cooperation, such as improving long-distance and superb conveyance service quality, cooperation with regional industrial enterprises.

«Together we made headway towards preparation to strategically important for region investment projects. The agreement will let to realize transport infrastructure projects with total cost of more than 25 billion rubles», - comments Victor Basargin.

Southern rail roundabout way of Perm city, become a part of «Railway transport development strategy by 2030», was also attended by the project «Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia». Initially this object was supposed to build after 2016, however the participants of the international conference «Transport and  transit potential-2011»,held in the framework of the Project, decided to submit an offer to consider the possibility of this infrastructure object building by 2015. This suggestion was reflected in a final resolution of the event, sent to the profile federal subdepartments and the bodies of legislative authority. Active involvement of the project «Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia» in advancing this initiative led to the agreement mentioned above signing among the region and Russian Railway and putting the  Southern rail roundabout way construction ahead.

The Perm businessmen will be introduced in the Sea Capital

On February 15 in Perm held a meeting on participation of Prikamye in the activities of the Project "St. Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia." Regional Project Coordinator - Deputy Chairman of the Perm City Duma Yuri Utkin - together with employees of several ministries and a representative of the boundary of the central apparatus of the Project, the executive secretary of the Council of Regions Daria Samylina discussed the forms of cooperation for the presentation of the Perm businessmen on the event.

Let us remind that the project "St. Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia" has been around for five years. A number of socially significant events aimed at the formation and development of transport policy in Russia were held in its frames.

This year, by the initiative of Yuri Utkin, it was decided to held international forums, which include the exhibition program. One of the main streams of the exhibitions is the exposure of the subjects of the RF. This allows to introduce opportunities of the regions to domestic and foreign investors. The exhibition will also demonstrate the latest achievements in the industry; regional small and medium businesses will gain new business contacts.

Eligibility criteria for participation in the project for the Perm companies, the number of exhibition themes and materials are to being discussed by all relevant authorities in the region. In the next two days, during the visit of Darya Samylina, such meetings will be held in the Chamber of Commerce Region, Ministry of Enterprise and Trade, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Transport. In addition, mechanisms of participation in the project will be thought over in the regional Ministry of Education. As a result of in-depth discussion five small and medium-sized businesses will be chosen. They will represent the Perm Region on the III International Forum "Ecology", which will be held from 29 to 31 March 2012 in St. Petersburg.

- We have something to show - said at the meeting, Yuri Utkin. - For example, our rivers are interesting from the viewpoint of the development of foreign tourism; the same can be said about the other activities. The "Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia" in this regard is a unique platform for employers to express themselves and find new business partners and customers. It is necessary to promote business lines, strategically important for the development of our land, by means of such important international events.

Ryazan will be bypassed from the north

Construction of a highway Northern Bypass of Ryazan will relieve the historic center from the transit traffic of heavy trucks, reduce accidents and improve the ecological situation in the regional center.

A workshop on the solution of one of the most important transportation and infrastructure problems was held in Ryazan with the participation of the regional coordinator of the party "United Russia", "Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia," the Minister of Transport and Road Shaukat Akhmetov.

According to its results, Akhmetov explained why the Ministry of Transport and Regional Project pays special attention to supporting the construction of a highway Northern Bypass.

"The commissioning of the Northern Bypass will relieve the city center from transit traffic on the federal highway M-5 "Ural" in the direction of Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Kirov. Thus the number of accidents decrease, the ecological situation in the regional center improves - said Shaukat Akhmetov. - Construction of the road is a long-term program "Road facilities of the Ryazan Region in 2010-2015" and the road itself - one of the priorities of the program.

"The total cost of only the first phase is 4 billion 300 million rubles. It provides the construction of a small segment of the highway and the drawbridge over the river Trubezh with special barriers and traffic lights. The first phase also includes the construction of pier with the length of 700 meters from the bridge across the river Trubezh in the direction of Dashkova-Pesochnya. The decision on the construction of flyovers was made to avoid the mass felling of trees and to minimize environmental losses from the construction of new trails.

This year, for the construction of the Northern Bypass in Ryazan 590 million rubles was allocated, including: a loan from the federal budget - 540 million rubles, from the regional budget - 50 million rubles. These funds provided the input of the first starting complex with the transport interchange and the overpass. The work on the construction of flyovers and the preparatory phase of the construction of the bridge over the river Trubezh has already begun.

"Ministry of Transport of the Ryazan region carries out continuous monitoring of the quality of work - emphasizes Shaukat Akhmetov, - as a regional coordinator of the Project, I understand that the Northern Bypass is not only a new route for motorists. This is, above all, - the environment of our city, the health and safety of citizens, the preservation of the historic center of Ryazan, which suffers from the damage of heavy transit traffic. I will do my best to make the Northern Bypass be completed in the shortest possible time."

Hydrocarbons of "Khvalynskoye" will load the new port

The "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg – the Sea Capital of Russia" supports the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia on the creation of a major marine transport hub in the region.

Another important step in this direction made. In Moscow, at a meeting of the interdepartmental commission on the development of subsoil conditions at the field "Khvalynskoye" and the drafting of a production sharing agreement, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Energy Minister Sergei Kudryashov, the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", First Deputy Prime Minister of Kalmykia Republic Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov.

In his speech, he pointed that the development of oil and gas field in the Caspian Sea off the coast of Kalmykia is of great importance for the further socio-economic development of the region. Large reserves of natural gas, gas condensate and oil of "Khvalynskoye" are able to employ not only oil and gas processing enterprises of the republic that are planned to be constructed, but also a sea port, which will be built in Lagan. Through this port hydrocarbons produced in the "Khvalynskoye" can be exported to the caspian countries, and further along transport corridors of East-West and North-South. A construction of a railway Lagan - Ulaan Khol will link the port with the Russian and European railway network. All this will not only help to optimize supply routes of hydrocarbons, but also will create new prospects for the coastal regions of Kalmykia.

"As for a coordinator of the Project and the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic for me it is very important that the production sharing agreement have been fully taken into account the interests of Kalmykia, Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov commented on the meeting. - Moreover, the onshore facilities of "Khvalynskoye" will be posted on Kalmyk territory. The site ER.RU has already raised the topic of social significance of the construction and operation of the new port and oil and gas infrastructure. And yet, as I said, that is, above all, the creation of thousands of jobs in the republic".

Let us recall, according to plans of an international consortium of companies involved in the field development, it will be put into operation in 2016. By that time, according to Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov, it is scheduled to complete construction of the first port in Lagan and begin construction of the railway Lagan - Ulaan Khol.

"Manpower policy" goes to the regions

In Ryazan, the issue of interaction between universities, government agencies and businesses to attract young professionals into professional teams working in the field of road infrastructure was discussed.

As a result of the IV All-Russian Conference "Manpower Policy", that was held in St. Petersburg on the 15-16 of December within the framework of the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" in Ryazan a meeting of the Regional Coordinator of the Project and the Minister of Transport and Road Shaukat Akhmetov with the students of the road department of Ryazan State Agrotechnological University n.a. Pavel Kostychev was held.

A meeting with students of the university faculty of the road was also attended by the heads of major companies in the region engaged in road construction. The issues that participants discussed related primarily to the interaction of universities, government agencies and businesses to attract young professionals into professional teams working in the field of road infrastructure.

Akhmetov told those present at the meeting about the problems and prospects of development of road sector in the region. In this subject of the federation long-term targeted program "Road economy of Ryazan Region in 2010-2015" is being realized. One of the largest areas of this program - putting into operation the Northern bypass of the city of Ryazan, which will relieve the city center of transit traffic. Thereby accident rate will be reduced, the ecological situation in the regional center will be improved.

The Minister noted the need to attract young professionals to solving the problems the industry faced and find new innovative solutions. "Road workers have prospects. Today, every young specialist came into the road sector has the opportunity for career growth. The doors are open to you", Akhmetov said, speaking to the students.

Following the meeting, students and faculty were invited to provide direction for further cooperation of the university and potential employers. Their proposals future road workers will be sent directly to executives of major road-building organizations.

Yamal is developing

In Salekhard, there was a meeting, devoted to the solution of a social regional problem – to providing people from remote areas with the transport. It was chaired by Eugene Miskevich, who is the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party regional project coordinator "Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of RUSSIA", First Deputy Governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District.

After it Eugene Miskevich told about the solution of the most important problem. "As for the programs, implemented in the district, which are important for our country, first of all, it is Yamal Peninsula north and other northern areas development, which will provide Russia with hydrocarbons for many years. But in order to accelerate the realization of these programs we should create reliable transport infrastructure for the residents and workers.

All transportations (passenger and cargo) in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District are social. Our main problem is the lack of transport links between major cities and towns. For example, Salekhard and Labytnangi cities are separated from each other by the river Ob. The difficulty is that the airport is located in the district capital, but the railway station - on the opposite side. In addition, a majority of people in these cities cross the river every day, because they should be at work, which is on the other side. In summer ferry operates, in winter – snowmobiles, but in the off-season there is only one way - it's all-terrain vehicles with air cushions. For example, spring 2011 more than 8000 passengers used this transport. It is an impressive figure for two Yamal cities. Having considered the needs of people, we decided to allocate subsidies for passenger transport across the Ob River by the autumn. Thus price on travel and on baggage reduced by three times. Salekhard and Labytnangi residents, who often need an all - terrain vehicles, have already felt this significant difference.

Despite the fact that Salekhard is the administrative capital of the district, it cut off from the "mainland". Now cars can enter the city only on winter road. This situation can change only due to one of the most ambitious projects, undertaken in Yamal – it’s a Nadym-Salekhard road construction, which is a part of future federal highway Surgut-Salekhard. We can see results already now: we are building the first 150 km. In 2012 it is planned to increase the speed of construction. The main road network creation will make it possible to construct other important highways, which will connect Nadym with the village Soviet, settlement Urengoy - with Krasnoselkup and other settlements of District. In the future up to 2020 there are plans to build roads between Salekhard and Syktyvkar, between Tazovsky and Gyda, between Kharampur and Tolka.

Today we also pay attention to transport connection with remote villages. In the off-season the connection with them is carried out by means of air transport, in particular, by helicopters. Here there are also difficulties: many people want to fly, but there is lack of tickets. We have developed a special order, when passengers, having no tickets, can address to the representatives of the municipalities. In turn, these spokesmen inform the Transport Department and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District Highway Agency about number of passengers. Then, these authorities together with the airline "Yamal", flying into remote villages, solve the issue concerning additional flight. Today 22 intermunicipal helicopter routes are used, and all of them are subsidized from the district budget.

During the navigation cargo and passenger transportations by waterway are foreground. Summer in Yamal Peninsula is short, but in spite of the fact thousands of passengers use waterways during navigation. So, just in 2011 more than 56 000 residents of Yamal were transported by 5 inter-municipal social and meaningful routes. By the way, this year preferential tariffs for transportation decreased. We work not only over the price of tickets, but also buy new and modern ships.

In particular, we think about replacement of the "Mechanic Kalashnikov" motor ship, which navigated by route Salekhard - New Port - Antipayuta. It was produced in 1955, that’s why it morally and physically outdated. Meanwhile, demand for this area among residents is high - only for the last navigation more than two thousand people has been transported. We are considering purchasing a new high-speed passenger vessel A-145, produced by PHC “Zelenodolsk plant named after A.M. Gorky” (Republic of Tatarstan). It is absolutely another type of vessel - a more comfortable, more equipped, and the most important - safe. After all, today the security has a main significance during passenger transportation by any transport ", - Eugene Miskevich said.

Murmansk will create "Arctic harbor"

Construction of a new passenger port in Murmansk will not only contribute to the development of cruise tourism in the region but will form the basis of the new facade of the city from the sea.

In Murmansk, under the chairmanship of the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA", First Deputy Governor of the Murmansk region Natalia Portnaya a meeting on the development of passenger sea transport infrastructure and the development of cruise shipping was held.

Natalia Portnaya commented its results. According to her, the Murmansk region is of great interest for tourists from all over the world, primarily due to the fact that Murmansk is the world's largest city, located above the Arctic Circle, and sea port Murmansk is the only ice-free Arctic port of Russia.

However, port Murmansk doesn’t have modern infrastructure to provide service for ferries and ships, passenger checkpoint of the Russian border does not equipped.

For this reason, cruise ships calling at the port Murmansk, moore at the berths of cargo port areas that are not intended for passenger service.

According to Natalia Portnaya this situation impedes the development of cruise shipping, adversely affects the image of the city of Murmansk, the Murmansk region and Russia, as a maritime power.

In preparation for the 100th anniversary of the city of Murmansk the Murmansk region government initiated the creation of "Arctic harbor" based on the existing seaport buildings.

Natalia Portnaya emphasized that the implementation of "Arctic Harbor" program would establish the necessary infrastructure for the provision of quality and safety of passenger sea transport, the adoption and maintenance of cruise ships and ferries.

This, in turn, will provide an opportunity to organize a regular ferry service to Norway and will provide an increase in calls to the port Murmansk of cruise companies ships of such countries as UK, the USA, Germany, Finland. In addition you will create a new kind of Murmansk city from the sea.

To reduce the time spent on the registration of the arrival of foreign tourists and increase the number of excursions, the Government of the Murmansk region in conjunction with the Project is working to ensure 72-hour visa-free stay of cruise and ferry tourists in the Murmansk region.

"As coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA" I can say with confidence that as a result of the program of creation of the "Arctic harbor" Murmansk could be called a center of Arctic tourism and will provide new opportunities for international ties in the region", Natalia Portnaya said.

In order dangerous torches to become dim

In the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous area Days of Science and Innovation of St. Petersburg were held. The main topic of discussion was the innovation in the production of hydrocarbons. On the eve of this event in Noyabrsk (YNAA) one of these innovative facilities - rail loading dock for transportation of products of associated petroleum gas (APG) was opened.

With the launch of rail loading dock gas refineries of investor in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area will be combined into a single network of associated petroleum gas transportation.

"I, as a regional coordinator of the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA" primarily concerned about the environmental impact of APG, First Deputy Governor of Yamal Eugene Miskevich commented. The fact is that Russia is in the first place in the world in harmful emissions of combustion products of the APG into the atmosphere. The Russian government has responded to this fact, and from next year the fines for flaring of associated gas will increase tenfold. Nevertheless, even the biggest Russian factories of APG processing have a lack of raw materials. The problem lies in insufficiently developed transportation network. As a result, oil-producing companies have to burn APG at the site of production. Near the well giant torches grow. Together, they burn in Russia in the year 200 cubic meters of gas, releasing about half a million tons of pollutants into the atmosphere.

In this case APG is a very useful product, processing of which can give a great social noticeable effect. APG processing products are used to manufacture modern heaters which are used in building of energy efficient homes and buildings. In the Far north a warm house is particularly important. In addition, new manufacture and construction are thousands of jobs for residents of our district.

Therefore, we can only welcome the construction of the rail dock, connecting traffic flows associated with the APG processing in a single network. And we should hope that soon all the polluting gas flares in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area will go out ", Eugene Miskevich said.

The problems of northern Siberia and the Arctic were discussed in Krasnoyarsk

Conference "The Siberian north and Arctic in the global challenges of the XXI Century" was held on the 21-22 of November in Krasnoyarsk. Among other things, the issues of the development of transport capacity and human resources policy in the harsh northern climate were touched.

According to the organizers, including the Government of the Krasnoyarsk Krai and Siberian Federal University, the conference program consisted of several sessions. Conference participants discussed the main problems of the northern and arctic areas, environmental and natural resources issues. Issues of development of transport infrastructure were also considered. A separate session was devoted to the search for a new model of adaptation and the formation of an effective environment for people living and working in the North and in the Arctic.

"Discussion of transport and transit potential development, environment and manpower policy at the regional level is more important, Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic, the coordinator of the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA" Arthur Chilingarov commented to the correspondent of ER.RU the theme of the conference. - Issues that are discussed at the regional level then are carried to the federal areas of our project. For example, a delegation of the Siberian Federal University, that is a co-organizer of the conference, will take part in the IV All-Russian Conference "Manpower Policy" that is to be held on the 15-16 of December within the framework of our project in St. Petersburg. A set of reports on the preparation of specialists for the transport complex in the Northern Russia, as well as for the Arctic shelf and staffing of the Northern Sea Route will be presented at the conference. I am sure that the organizers of the Krasnoyarsk conference will actively participate in the discussion of these issues", Arthur Chilingarov said.

According to him for the "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA" Project opening of regional offices and work in the subjects of the federation is a priority now. And the development of Arctic areas and the Northern Sea Route - one of the most discussed topics on the activities of the Project. Regional developments on this subject are accumulated on federal grounds of the Project and serve as the consolidation of the decisions throughout the country.

Oil and gas cluster will be a catalyst of Kalmyk port construction

Construction of a port in Lagan and other transport infrastructure facilities in Kalmykia is closely associated with the formation of oil and gas cluster of the republic.

Regional Coordinator of the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA", First Deputy Prime Minister of Kalmykia Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov held working meetings with the Director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Tagir Sitdekov and representatives of several banks and investment companies of the UK and Russia. The purpose of events - attracting investments in oil and gas cluster and transport projects of the republic.

"As you know, the Russian Direct Investment Fund established this year at the initiative of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. One of its main goals is to attract foreign investments into Russian economy on the basis of the mechanism of co-investment (part of investments is of the Russian state fund), Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov said. The fund's experts praised highly the investment attractiveness of the transport and oil and gas programs in the region. I am convinced that the development of oil and gas cluster Kalmykia should be closely linked with the construction of new transport facilities - the sea port in Lagan and Railway Lagan - Ulan Khol. Now the agenda is the preparation of production sharing agreement (PSA) between Russia and Kazakhstan in the development of subsoil conditions at the field "Khvalynskoye". The development of this field will become a pillar of oil and gas cluster of the republic. That’s why it’s to take into account the regional potential of Kalmykia. That's what I was talking about at the meeting of interagency government commission held in Moscow and dedicated to the subject. Headworks of deposit will be located on the coastal territory of Kalmykia. A generally accepted in international practice principles of PSA suggest social development of the area next to the deposit, as well as maximum using of local resources: production, labor, all existing infrastructure. We plan to build its own gas processing infrastructure in Kalmykia, gas processing plant with a line for production of mineral fertilizers, oil refinery with a workshop for production of paraffin wax. The output of these enterprises will be transported to regions of Russia and for export: through a new sea port in Lagan and by rail. Thus, the development of oil and gas cluster is directly connected with the construction of key transportation facilities, Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov said. There are plans to build oil refinery in Ulan Khole and creation of its own tanker fleet to transport oil directly from oil fields in the Caspian Sea, what will significantly reduce production costs".

Let us recall that oil and gas field "Khvalynskoye" is located in the northern part of the Caspian Sea near the coast of the Republic of Kalmykia. Its reserves are estimated by categories as follows: natural gas - 332 billion cubic meters, gas condensate - 17 million tons, oil - 36 million tons. Initially, the rights to develop were given to Russia and Kazakhstan, but Kazakhstan has sold half its share to two French companies. To date, the operator of the field is a joint venture "Caspian Oil and Gas Company", whose shareholders are: Lukoil (Russia) - 50%, KazMunayGas (Kazakhstan) - 25%, Total and GDF Suez (France) - 25%. Approximate time of field commissioning - 2016. The main products of the deposit will be gas, and a broad fraction of light hydrocarbons (NGL). NGL processing products are used in further petrochemical processes for production of wide range of plastics and synthetic rubbers. The technical sulfur used for production of dyes in pulp and paper, textile and other industries will also be produced.

Altai came to world markets

The Altai Republic has continued to attract foreign tourists, where the emphasis is not on the nearby China, but on the accustomed to a high level of tourist service visitors from Western Europe.

For the first time the region was presented at the World Travel Market (WTM), that was held in London from 7 to 10 of November and considered one of the most prestigious and largest travel forums in the world.

In what way the Altai Republic is going to attract sophisticated Western tourists was told by the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" First Deputy Prime Minister of Altai Republic Sergei Tevonyan.

"First of all, our exposition is intended to pass the unique flavor of Gorny Altai. Our republic has unique brands that can attract the most sophisticated tourist gourmet. It’s enough to mention the Altai honey, which is usually served at the table of the British Queen. Or unique medicinal properties of antlers of deer, which lead to the rejuvenation of the body and the healing of many diseases. Well, of course, our delegation will present priority tourism investment projects of the Altai Republic. Among them: the development of water tourism, creation of special economic zone of tourist-recreational type "Altay Valley" and all-season ski resort "Manzherok".

At WTM our republic presents its tourist potential in a single stand of Russia, which will locate on more than 500 square meters. We have chosen this platform to promote our tourist product not accidentally. Since 1980 WTM is considered to be the most important event in the world tourism industry. The event takes place in one of the key venues of modern British capital ExCel and annually attracts 40,000 professionals.

I believe that participation in these high-status events will significantly increase the flow of foreign tourists in the Republic", Sergey Tevonyan said.

Let us recall the flow of Russian and foreign tourists visiting the Republic, in 2008, was more than 1 million people and has since been growing annually by nearly 100 thousand people a year. The country has over 190 hotels, tourist camps and campgrounds, offering visitors more than 9 thousand bed-places. The target program "The long-term territorial organization and development of domestic tourism in the Altai Republic in 2011 - 2016 years" is adopted. The amount of funding originally built into the program is 23 billion rubles. Moreover, it is planned to attract more than 14.5 billion rubles from extra-budgetary sources.

Among the main areas of the tourism industry in the Republic are eco-tourism, skiing and water tourism. Water tourism is developing in the Altai Mountains because of the unique lakes. Teletskoye lake is the most popular among tourists. Almost all of the boarding houses, tourist camps and campgrounds located over there offering excursions on boats and yachts. In all more than 500 vessels service tourist on lakes and rivers of the Republic.

Tourism under the Northern Lights

Within the framework of interior entrance tourism development program in Komi Republic for 2010-2012 some unique travel routes, not having analogues in Russia, are already used and some of them are prepared for launching.

In Syktyvkar there was meeting, devoted to the tourism development, where the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party regional project coordinator “St.Petersburg – the sea capital of Russia”, Deputy Komi Republic Head Alexander Burov was present.

After the meeting Alexander Burov told about innovation tourist technologies and travel routes in Komi Republic.

“Recently our region attracted basically tourists, loving extreme sports, who drifted on numerous local rivers. But in Komi Republic there are many things which will be interesting not only for Russian, but also for foreign tourists, who are not inclined to the extreme. It is say enough that in the Republic there are such world tourist brands as the Northern Lights and one of seven wonders of Russia - giant weathering columns on Manjpupuner plateau (Small Mountain of idols), which took the 5th place in the contest “Seven Wonders of Russia”. But the climatic and natural conditions of Komi Republic make impossible attraction of many tourists. That’s why during travel routes development we use innovation technologies. We try to employ foreign know-how, adapted to our conditions, or attract unique audience, who can be interested in our routes and objects.

For example, in many European countries the railway tourism is widespread. This year in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Komi Republic we launched tourist train “Shining of the North”. It consists of two comfortable wagons for tourists, assembled on the government order, and wagon-restaurant. The sense is that Russian and foreign tourists can go in exotic journey in Komi Republic directly from Moscow. Passing through Mosow, Yaroslavl, Arkhangelsk and Vologda Regions they can stop and see local sights. In our republic tourists can visit different places such as national park “Ugyd va” or Pechoro-Ilychsky sanctuary. Wagon-lit is attached to the regular train; therefore it is unnecessary to make a transfer. At tourist’s will hunting, fishing and deer team riding can be included in the tour program.

As for travel routes, attracting unique audience, first of all, we should pay attention to water cruise “By Old Believer steps”, which will be available for tourists since 2012. In Russia and in CIS states about 1000000 old believers live. I think, many of them will want to make a pilgrimage to the execution place of famous old believer, the archpriest Awakum, and to see by their own eyes other saint places. But cruise by Pechora river will be interesting not only for old believers, - Alexander Burov said, - for this program the comfortable motorship was freight and in Pechora City the hotel will be built.

In 2012 people, who are interested in particular extreme, can visit museum of Vorkuta camp, which was a part of the GULAG system. If we remember popularity of museum in St.Petersburg prison “Crosses”, I consider that there will be enough those who will desire to be in historical and memorial complex “Vorkutlag”.

As for one of the main republic sights – unique monument of nature – giant columns on Manjpupuner plateau, which were objects of Mansi cult, the tourists can achieve them not only by means of helicopter.

There are some travel routes, supposing flight up to Syktyvkar, then trip by train up to Troitsk-Pechorsk, next ascent on boat, and finally way by foot up to plateau. I don’t consider these routes to be extreme. It takes maximum 2 nights in tents, rest of time is in way - stops in comfortable hotels and guest houses. On the other hand, you can see yourself a wonder of the world, which millions of people saw only on the pictures, and others don’t know about it at all.

As the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party regional project coordinator “St.Petersburg – the sea capital of Russia” and as Deputy Komi Republic Head I believe that our region has a large tourist potential and we will develop it” – Alexander Burov emphasized.

Flying Altai

The opening of a modern airport in the Altai Republic is called a historic event. It will not only greatly improve the situation with transport accessibility of the republic, but will also lead to a significant increase of tourist flow.

Grand opening of the reconstructed airport in Gorno-Altaisk took place.

This important for the republic event was commented by the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia", First Deputy Prime Minister of Altai Republic Sergei Tevonyan.

"Today our airport is ready to receive medium-range aircrafts - such as the Tu-204, Boeing-737, -757, -767, Airbus-319, -320, -330. Now Gorno-Altaisk will be connected by regular flights mainly with Moscow and Novosibirsk. The airport will be able to take charter flights carrying tourists from Europe. So, our region expects a substantial increase of tourist flows. Do not forget that renovated airport will be "window to the world" for the people of our republic, Sergey Tevonyan stresses. All this was preceded by a big serious work. According to the latest technologies airport terminal was renovated, landing strip was lengthened to 2,300 meters and its width is now 45 meters. During the reconstruction the airport was equipped with the most modern complexes of lighting, radio navigational and meteorological equipment. At the airport, the newest system of care and control of passengers, baggage handling was introduced, service infrastructure was dramatically improved.

Work of the airport will allow tourists to travel to Altai quickly and comfortably. The airport plays an important role for the successful implementation of major national projects in the field of recreation - a special economic zone "Altai Valley", ski resort "Manzherok". After its implementation such gems as Teletskoye Lake, Karakol lake sanatorium complex "Altai-west» will be available. It will lead to further development of the area. The opening of the airport will help realize the long-articulated task - to make tourism in the Altai attractive in all seasons. All major projects which are being implemented in the country today, in one way or another linked to the airport", said Sergey Tevonyan.

Let us recall, the reconstruction of the airport "Gorno-Altaisk" is part of the federal target program (FTP) "Modernization of transport system of Russia for 2002-2010" and "Development of the Russian transport system for 2010-2015". 1 billion 275 million rubles, including 496 million was allocated from the federal budget on completion of the work in 2011. The volume of investments from the state budget amounted 188.7 million rubles, which were mainly aimed at creating the modern system of airport security and safety, as well as the acquisition of specialized vehicles. Also the state budget invested into the construction of engineering infrastructure of the airport complex.

Autobahn to the Extreme North

Syktyvkar-Naryan-Mar interregional highway construction with approaches to Vorkuta and Salekhard will make it possible to provide more than 500 000 persons, living on the Extreme North, with automobile communication on the solid modern pavement roads.

In Syktyvkar there was meeting, devoted to the large investment project implement, where the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party regional project coordinator “St.Petersburg – the sea capital of Russia”, Deputy Komi Republic Head Alexander Burov was present.

As a result, Alexander Burov told about the biggest highway construction on the Extreme North.

“If you look at highway map of the Russian North, you will appreciate at once the scale of Syktyvkar-Ukhta-Pechora-Usinsk-Naryan-Mar highway construction with the approaches to Vorkuta and Salekhard. Only road stretch between Syktyvkar and Naryan-Mar without approaches to Vorkuta and Salekhard is 1085 km. On the Russian North there are almost no such highways. Well, in our region the rail transport is more developed.

That’s why the importance of new interregional highway can scarcely be exaggerated and its construction is the foreground program for the republic. The highway has the strategic significance not only for the regions, participating in the program, among which besides Komi Republic there are Nenets and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Areas. It is important for all Russia, because it will become integral part of “North-South” transport tunnel, providing the production shipment for oil-and-gas and mineral resource enterprises, which are situated on the Extreme North. Soon the highway will be claimed during the gas-main pipeline construction from Timano-Pechorskaya oil-and-gas province and Yamal gas field.

In 2011 on the Republic territory the works on the most difficult areas of highway, length of which is 171,5 km, are carried out.

But for me, as for the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party regional project coordinator “St.Petersburg – the sea capital of Russia” and as for Deputy Komi Republic Head, the most important is that after highway construction 500 000 persons will be connected with the capitals of three regions such as Komi Republic, Nenets and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Areas by means of modern highways” – Alexander Burov emphasized.

“Syktyvkar-Ukhta-Pechora-Usinsk-Naryan-Mar highway construction with the approaches to Vorkuta and Salekhard will give the opportunity to link 174 clusters, which are in its attraction zone. Drivers from these regions can go in any Russian region through basic highway system”.

Through the granite of science to stars

The formation and development of highly skilled human resources is the key to successful construction and operation of one of the largest strategic sites of our country - Spaceport "Vostochnyi".

In Blagoveshchensk, on the 24 of October a workshop on the issues of staffing the largest federal project in the region and planning of roll-in in the Amur Region "Inter-University Space Innovation Centre" chaired by the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia", Deputy Prime Minister of the Amur Region - Minister for Construction spaceport "Vostochnyi" Konstantin Chmarov was held.

As the result Konstantin Chmarov told the ER.RU about how to solve the problem of staffing for the construction and operation of buildings in the Amur region of spaceport "Vostochnyi".

Objects of ground space infrastructure will be created by the enterprises of the Federal Space Agency, designers, scientists and builders of the space industry, which had already established close contact with regional companies-contractors, and their experts and have started construction work.

"I would call a national space center - a hub and booster of intellectual potential of the country, Konstantin Chmarov emphasizes, its creation will demand a large number of professionals. At the initial stage - builders, and then specialists operating rocket and space technology. Naturally, we solved issues of staffing such a high-tech facility in advance.

To carry out this task effectively in 2009 the Government of the Amur region signed a cooperation agreement with Moscow Aviation Institute, South Ural State University and the Amur State University. Now these institutions are jointly preparing young professionals for our program".

Thus, Amur State University has carried out three intakes of students in various aerospace disciplines. On the basis of this university space science education center is opened and two models of spaceport "Vostochnyi" are created. While the developing of one of them design parameters of the main objects of the new Russian cosmodrome were used.

In addition, with the support of Russian Federal Space Agency a new form of student learning was introduced - practical training in operating cosmodromes to familiarize with their infrastructure, the study of the full cycle of preparation and launch of spacecraft. In July of this year within the framework of the program group of teachers and students of the Amur State University visited the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Now in the Amur region it is created "Inter-University Space Innovation Centre" for the development of interregional cooperation of young scientists and students.

"Taking into account the importance of training for a new spaceport construction, I think it is necessary to discuss them at the IV All-Russian Conference "Manpower Policy", which will be held on 15-16 of December 2011 in St. Petersburg within the framework of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia". The event is traditionally dedicated to H.R. of the transport sector of Russia", Konstantin Chmarov said.

“Vostochny” spaceport: strategic parity in space, on land and in sea

“Vostochny” spaceport construction will give a possibility to Russia to conduct independent space activity and to participate in the future international space projects.

On October 18-21 in Uglegorsk closed administrative territorial establishment, situated in Amur Region, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) commission carried out reconnaissance on “Soyuz-2”carrier-rockets launching site location on the “Vostochny” spaceport. Constantine Chmarov, the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party regional project coordinator “Saint-Petersburg – the sea capital of Russia”, Deputy Amur Region government chairman, “Vostochny” spaceport construction minister took part in these works.

Here Constantine Chmarov said about one of the most large-scale object constructions of modern Russia.

“Vostochny” spaceport construction began in this October. Today some objects of the terrestrial space infrastructure are built. Reconnaissance works on “Soyuz-2” rocket system pad location are implemented; interblent highways and railways and power system projection is fulfilled. Geological and typographical works on diversion facility construction and on spaceport complex safety system creation are carried out.

The full-scale construction will start in 2012. 24,5 billion rubles are budgeted in 2011-2013 for spaceport infrastructure. In addition, 57 billion rubles will be allocated in 2014-2015 for the same purposes. Government customer of “Voctochny” spaceport construction is the Russian Federal Space Agency, general designer – “IPROMASHPROM”, general contractor - the Russian Federal Agency for Special Construction (Spetsstroy).

“We are happy that from the very beginning of new spaceport creation due to Roscosmos’ decision 6 our regional organizations participate in the project and in geological and typographical works, - Constantine Chmarov noticed. – Totally more than 300 enterprises and about 20 000 people will work in the construction. We are planning that not less 10 000 of them will be Amur Region inhabitants. Certainly, highly-skilled specialists from other Russian regions will be invited.

Job for the regional staff is the most important task for us. Before 2007 in the region “Svobodny” military spaceport functioned and after its disbandment the qualified specialists, capable of taking part in new spaceport construction and operation, stayed here. We should also remember about beforehand young personnel training, but this theme is for other detailed discussion”.

According to the plans the cosmodrome will put in operation and can launch spacecrafts of scientific, social and economic, twofold and commercial purposes and also transport freighters and space station modules by 2015. The man-tended mission start from “Vostochny” is planned in 2018.

“It is necessary appropriate infrastructure for full-fledged new spaceport functioning, - Constantine Chmarov said. – Besides those systems, which I mentioned above, these are industrial constructional operating base, hydrogen plant, airport, railway and highway stations, new access highways and railways, telecommunications and connection system, and also administrative business spaceport complex. Of course, we don’t forget about ecology. Solid domestic and technical waste collecting, sorting, storing and utilization complex will be built on cosmodrome.

It is interesting to know that 7 large enterprises mainly from Amur Region, which have invested some infrastructure objects since 2010, already participate in the infrastructure development. Roscosmos together with Amur Region Government sought these investors.

“For me, as for Deputy Amur Region government chairman and as for the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party regional project coordinator “Saint-Petersburg – the sea capital of Russia” the care of people, who will build and operate new spaceport has a particular significance, - Constantine Chmarov emphasized. – The modern satellite town for 30 000 people, where there will be objects of public health, social and community purposes, will be built.

The specialists, who will live in this town and work on the cosmodrome, should provide the future strategic parity of Russia not only in space, but also on the land and in the sea. Today all types of economic activity are carried out by means of space navigation and telecommunications systems”.

Updated Volgo-Balt will link five seas

Reconstruction and modernization of the Volga-Baltic waterway and the Northern Dvina sluice system are among the highest priorities of the transport strategy of the Vologda region.

In Vologda, the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia", the First Deputy Governor of the Vologda region Nikolai Vinogradov chaired meeting on the implementation of major investment projects in the sphere of water transport.

As the result of the meting Nikolai Vinogradov told about the current status and plans for the development of major water transportation routes in the region. According to him, transport strategy of the Vologda region until 2020 adopted this year paying special attention to the reconstruction and modernization of waterways and water transport infrastructure.

"Volume of freight traffic in inland waterways increase in recent years. The transit flows of foreign goods are predominant. Now it is more than 60% of the total traffic volume, Nikolai Vinogradov emphasizes, while the earlier import-export goods have been minor. More than 8,000 vessels go through sluices of our channels per year. Not surprisingly waterworks of the Volga-Baltic waterway that operates from 1964 is worn. It needs reconstruction and technical upgrading. Work in this direction is conducted annually. In 2012, for this purpose the federal budget will allocate 1 387 700 000 rubles".

Let us recall, the Volga-Baltic Waterway is important link in an integrated transport system of the European part of Russia, providing connection of waterways that go to the Baltic, White, Caspian, Black and Azov Seas. Possibility to produce without trans freight transportation not only between regions of Russia, but also between the seaports of northern and southern European seas has appeared. These services are operated by large-capacity vessels of mixed "river-sea" class with the capacity of 5,500 tons.

On the territory of the Vologda region there are main waterworks of the Volga-Balt, such 5 as 8 shipping locks, 3 hydroelectric, 5 spillways, 3 reservoirs and other facilities.

No less important issue is to upgrade another waterway of the Vologda region - Northern Dvina River sluice system Sukhona. This system was built in 1828 and is a set of retaining and shipping waterworks, connecting a series of lakes. Dimensions of sluices allow using a fleet in the transportation capacity of up to 1,000 tons. During the period of operation facilities were fully reconstructed twice: in 1865 and 1917 using the same wooden building materials.

Today, these facilities are completely out of date. Complete reconstruction of hydraulic work Northern Dvina sluice system provides the Federal Program "Development of Transport System of Russia (2010 - 2015 years)". For its implementation it is supposed to allocate from the federal budget 824.1 million rubles. Reconstruction will not only help to restore the full shipping on the river Sukhona, but also ensure the safety of passing ships.

Transport Strategy of the Vologda region development also provides an increase in passenger traffic by river transport. For this purpose, in particular, stationary passenger river terminals and docks in the village of Sheksna, G. Kirillova, Vytegra, Great Ustyug, Belozersk, Gorica village will be built.

"As a regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" I believe that much attention should be given to the development of inland waterway transport, since it is the least expensive among all other modes of transport, Nikolay Vinogradov said. This is explained by the fact that inland waterways are mostly natural. In organization of the shipping considerably less (6-7 times) initial capital investment for 1 kilometer, than to build a railroad or highway equal to bandwidth is required. Thus, development of inland waterway transport is an essential factor in reducing costs in the economy".

Murmansk port: safe harbor for the NSR

Modernization and development of the port - the main goal of the program "Integrated Development of the Murmansk Transport Hub".

In Murmansk, under the chairmanship of the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", the First Deputy Governor of the Murmansk region Natalia Portnaya a meeting devoted to implementation of major investment projects in transport sector was held.

As the result, Natalia Portnaya presented a program "Integrated Development of the Murmansk transport hub", implemented within the framework of the Federal Program "Development of Transport System of Russia (2010-2015)". According to Portnaya the main goal of the program - the creation of the current year-round deep sea port hub. This will be the largest center for the transshipment of bulk cargo, containerized cargo, as well as oil and petroleum products, integrated in the international transport corridor "North - South".

Implementation of the project involves a number of measures. It includes building on the west coast of the Kola Bay electrified railway station of public service from Vyhodnoi to Lavna, complex for transshipment of coal and general cargo, the terminal for transshipment of oil and petroleum products.

On the eastern shore of the Kola Bay it is planned to upgrade coal terminal, build new logistics center and a container terminal. Modernization plan includes additional equipment of the Kola Bay area, the creation of objects of complex security systems and VTS (Vessel Traffic Management System), as well as facilities for the operation of departments of government regulatory bodies. "The introduction of modern management systems significantly improve the safety of passing ships," Natalia Portnaya said.

For the project "Integrated development of the Murmansk transport hub" within the framework of Federal Target Program "Development of Transport System of Russia (2010-2015)" total funding 117 391 900 000 rubles is provided, including the federal budget - 50 976 million rubles and 66 415 900 000 rubles of non-budget sources.

In 2010 the first phase of the program was successfully completed, within the framework of which border zones of location of federal objects on the western shore of the Kola Bay are defined and approved by order of the Ministry of Transport. Now the design work continues. The beginning of new facilities construction is expected in 2012 and completion of the port modernization in 2020.

"As coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" in the Murmansk region, I am confident that the construction and modernization of the Murmansk sea port will not only increase the turnover of the transport corridor "North-South", but also give a powerful impetus to infrastructural and social development of the region, creation of new jobs. Social significance of this ambitious project can not be overestimated, and the promotion of its implementation - an important goal of the project ", Natalia Portnaya said.

Coordinator of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", Member of the Supreme Council of the Party "United Russia" Arthur Chilingarov commented upon the plans concerning the development of the Murmansk transport hub.

"Modernization of the port of Murmansk - an important stage in the development of the Northern Sea Route. This year we plan to adopt a law that will regulate shipping at this shortest route from Northern Europe to the Asia-Pacific region.

The Northern Sea Route is a new global transport corridor of the XXI century. For comparison, the reference route Rotterdam - Yokohama on the Northern Sea Route vessels pass two weeks faster than through the Indian Ocean. But in order ship owners to appreciate the benefits of the Northern Sea Route, we need modernized ports that are planed to build in Murmansk".

The Republic of Kalmykia attracts Thai investment

Regional Coordinator of "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", First Deputy Prime Minister of Kalmykia Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov signed on behalf of the Republic with a major Thai company protocol of intent, which aims to attract international investment in port construction in the town of Lagan.

After its signing Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov said that the construction of the port will be carried out on a public-private partnership through a joint venture. It is planned that the first private investment will go to Kalmykia by the end of 2011.

Let us recall the construction of the port in the town of Lagan is one of the priority infrastructure projects of Kalmykia. Within the framework of the project it is planed to organize a passenger, road and rail ferry service by the Caspian sea to the Iranian port of Naw-Shahr. Thus, the missing link of the transcontinental railroad corridor Helsinki - Moscow - Tehran – Dubai will be created. In addition, from the Iranian port railway lines leading to India and Saudi Arabia are laid. Thus, the construction of a port in Lagan will provide delivery of goods without trans form in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This significantly will reduce time and cost of transportation.

Construction of the port in Lagan includes the construction of terminals for processing 2.5 million tons of general cargo and 5 million tons of liquid cargo. Also four berths will be built 150 meters long and appropriate port infrastructure. Dredging for the approach of ships with a displacement of 10 tons is provided.

To provide additional access roads to the port it is planned to build railway Lagan - Ulaan Khol length of 40 kilometers with access to the railway line Baku - Moscow. Also as part of the port infrastructure development program it is planned to build an oil refinery with capacity of 3 million tonnes a year near the village of Ulan Hall.

The partner of the Republic of Kalmykia in the construction program is a Thai company Eland International, which has extensive experience in financing large infrastructure projects. In particular, a company raise investment in construction of thermal power stations in Mumbai (India), as well as the railway from the city Tibriz (Iran) to the Turkish border.

"As a regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", I am sure that the construction of the port complex in Lagan will add a powerful impetus to socio-economic development of the Republic of Kalmykia", Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov said.

Hub-port is to accelerate the freight turnover

The deepwater hub port construction in Kaliningrad Region will make it possible not only to increase seaborne freight turnover in the region, but also it will give a pulse for infrastructure and social development.

In Kaliningrad under the regional government vice-president chairmanship, Gennady Shcherbakov, who was the “Saint-Petersburg is the sea capital of Russia” regional Project coordinator, there was meeting, where the large-scale transport projects had been discussed. It was devoted to the results of Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov’s and Transport Minister Igor Levitin’s visit.

On Thursday, 6 October, in his comments to the ER.RU correspondent, Gennady Shcherbakov noticed, that the federal authority attention to the regional transport problems can considerably accelerate their solution. He told that the deepwater hub port construction had been discussed on the meeting. According to his words, today Kaliningrad port on its parameters is at a disadvantageous before it’s the nearest competitors from the Baltic States. It is situated in Kaliningrad limit that’s why it is unadapted to the large volume transshipment and it is restricted in the areas for the development. In addition, it is necessary to deepen and to broaden more than 40 km channel, leading to the port.

Therefore new deepwater hub port construction, which is stipulated by the “The Russian Transport System Development from 2010 to 2015” Federal Target Programme, is very important for the region.

“First of all, I would like to explain what the modern hub is and what this name means. As you know, to accelerate his movement the ancient Roman sea god Neptune preferred moving on a chariot. The specialists connect sea transportation efficiency increase with the hub port construction. The sense of it is that the biggest ocean crafts, container ships, will call at the limited number of more efficient deepwater ports, where the ship consignments are given on smaller crafts. Routes of these vessels as wheel hub spokes cover the coast territories with less deepwater ports”, - Gennady Shcherbakov said. In Kaliningrad Region the hub port construction idea is that the ocean container ships will pass directly to Baltic Sea, and will get unloaded in our port, and only from there they will be transported to the Baltic port mainly by means of sea feeder vessels. During the project realization the deepwater channel, areas of water, automobile and railway roads will be built, on the basis of which the additional terminals construction is possible.

When such port appears in Kaliningrad Region, it will have some advantages with comparison with other ports of the basin. Firstly, it will have advantageous geographical position – in center of Baltic Sea and with non-freezing water areas. Secondly, the port will have considerable territory for infrastructure construction and developed transport communication network with the Central and Eastern Europe, including the opportunity to send the freights by railway with Russian and European track.

We would remind, the government customer of the port construction is the Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport. According to investment feasibility on the variant of port location on Balga peninsula the total cost of the port construction will 263 billion of rubles, including 75 billion from the federal budget and 188 billion from the private investments. Now the project works are carried. The Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” together with Kaliningrad region government study issue concerning shipping base and potential investors who are capable of undertaking the obligation to involve the resources, which are necessary for the projection and construction of the deepwater port infrastructure objects.

“As the “Saint-Petersburg - the sea capital of Russia” Project coordinator in Kaliningrad region, I am sure that new hub port construction will give the opportunity not only to increase seaborne turnover in the region, but also will give a pulse to infrastructure and social development, and to new job creation. Therefore assistance to the development of this large-scale initiative is one other most important project problem”, - Gennady Shcherbakov emphasized.

"Big Volga" raises the sail

The preparation of the target program, one of the tourist and recreational clusters of which is "Big Volga" devoted to the development of water tourism in the Volgograd region is coming to an end.

In Volgograd a meeting on the development of water tourism chaired by the Regional Coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", deputy head of the Volgograd Region Administration Victor Maxine was held.

The event was attended by members of the state public institution "Tourism Development Agency". Following the results of the meeting Victor Maxine talked about the tourism potential of the region and the development of water tourism. According to him, water tourism is one of the most promising areas of tourist sphere in the Volgograd region. The region has ample opportunities for water recreation, due to the wealth of natural resources and its geographical position. The Volgograd region is situated in the south-east of European Russia on both sides of the lower reaches of the Volga and the Middle Don. Here are the Volgograd and Tsimlyansk reservoirs, numerous rivers, lakes, estuaries, which are the main fishing ponds in the region. In the north the Volgograd region borders with the Saratov region, on the west - the Rostov region, opening up opportunities for the development of inter-regional cruise tourism. Organization of inter-cruise tours along the Volga River can saturate program of sightseeing and entertainment organization with a variety of routes.

Recently sailing regattas and festivals play a huge role in marketing strategies of port cities. Volgograd is not exception. Administration of the Volgograd region pays great attention to sailing, in particular, the organization of the annual water festival and regatta. For example, in 2009 the city administration and local government agency "Center of sailing" organized regatta "Mayor's Cup" on the Volga in Volgograd. In 2010 the Day of Russia Sailing Federation of the Volgograd region held a grand celebration for the residents of the city-hero and his guests - a regatta "Sails of Russia". In 2011 in mid-May on the River Akhtuba the second stage of the Powerboat sport Cup of Russia in the class "wet bike" passed. In August of this year in Kamyshin the main stages of the competition among the regatta cruisers "Cup of the Lower Volga" were held.

"The region has excellent start opportunities the Volgograd reservoir waters to become one of the best sites in Europe for sailing regattas", Victor Maxine said. It is promoted by favorable climatic conditions and coastal landscapes, the size of the reservoir, which make up more than 350 km in length and up to 25 km in width. Now in the region there are 5 yacht clubs and marinas to park motor boats. Volgograd athletes repeatedly won prizes at national, Union and international sailing competitions.

It’s necessary to mention the activities within the framework of the long-term regional target program "Development of domestic tourism in the Volgograd region" for 2012-2016 years, in particular the tourism and recreational cluster "Big Volga". It combines the facilities of various kinds of boating on the right bank of the Volga in Gorodishchenskoye, Dubovsky, Kamyshin areas. These facilities will create new opportunities for the development of the cruise, sailing and yacht tourism.

The development potential of water tourism in the region is really big, but it should be used in even more power", Victor Maxine stressed. First and foremost, we need government support: investment in construction and subsidized operation of municipal docks, enabling entrepreneurs and private investors to develop this area. Also state support for the development of infrastructure such as approach channels, levee building, and the navigation provision is necessary. In the framework of long-term regional target program "Development of domestic tourism in the Volgograd region" for 2012-2016 years, these activities are provided.

"As a regional coordinator of the Party Project and Deputy Head of the Volgograd Region Administration, I will do everything possible to ensure that implementation of this program took place in full", Victor Maxine said.

"Silk" route will cross Bashkortostan

Construction of an international route "Europe - Western China", which will cross the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, will give new impetus to social development of south-western part of the region and provide new industrialized areas of transport and logistics capabilities

In Ufa a workshop devoted to the implementation of one of the largest transportation projects of the Republic chaired by the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", the Head of the State Committee of the Republic of Bashkortostan on Transport and Roads Ilyas Munirov was held.

Let us recall that by 2018 Russia plans to invest 80 billion rubles in the development of international transport corridor "Europe - Western China", which is now called the new "Great Silk Route". The primary stage involves the construction of the highway from the border with Kazakhstan to Kazan. It should be completed by 2018. Then the road will be laid from Kazan to Nizhny Novgorod - Moscow - St. Petersburg. The total length of the route "Europe - Western China" on the territory of Russia will be more than two thousand kilometers.

Following the results of the meeting Elias Munirov told about the plans of building of the road "Bavly - Kumertau" which would become a part of ITC "Europe - Western China".

According to him, the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan offered to the Ministry of Transport of Russia to construct the road 265 km in lenght from the border of the Republic of Tatarstan (city Bavly) through the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan to the town of Kumertau. The zone this route will include such industrial centers of the republic as Sterlitamak Ishimbay, Salavat, Meleuz, Kumertau. The road is projected according to the highest category 1A, with 4 lanes, with a dividing strip of 6 meters. Republic has financed the development of construction documents for the first 40 km, which is currently under the state expertise review. The work on the reservation of lands and the preparation of area is underway. In order to attract private investment "Directorate of motorway construction" was created which prepared the business plan of the project.

In the beginning of September a decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the state company "Russian Roads" on cooperation in construction of roads in the region was made.

Approximate volume of investments in the construction of the motorway will be 102 billion rubles. It’s supposed the project to be implemented in the framework of the state-private partnership.

"Building of a new road is of national importance and is focused on the formation of a unified transportation system within the framework of the Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation till 2030, Ilyas Munirov said. As coordinator of the Party Project in the region I believe it’s not less important goal of the construction is the creation of new jobs and the attraction of investment into the country.

To ancient Rus’ by cruise ship

The Novgorod region in 2012-2013 is going to become one of the largest centers of the cruise boating

In Novgorod, September, 2 a meeting devoted to development of water tourism was held chaired by the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", the deputy head of the Novgorod Region Administration Alexander Smirnov.

As the result Alexander Smirnov told about what has been achieved and the prospects of work in this area. According to him this year the administration of the Novgorod region has begun to develop a regional program of boating. This was preceded by research. Experts of St. Petersburg State University of Water Communications came to the conclusion that it is tourism is the most perspective direction of development of inland waterway transport in the region.

At the beginning of 2011 in the area considerable experience in this field have already gained. Cruises to Novgorod from both Russian capitals by tour operators in Moscow and St. Petersburg with the participation of the regional administration were organized. Arriving in Novgorod tourists get acquainted with local attractions on tours and recreational craft "MO-28", "Veche", "Yalta", "Sadko", "Moscow-101», «Viktor» and motor-sailer vessel "Varyag" stylized Slavic boat of X century.

The regional administration is developing new tourist routes. For example, last year it was opened a sightseeing tour "Where have gone the Russian land" with a visit to Rurik settlement, and in May of this year excursion trip took place from Vologda to Novgorod on the ship "Nikolay Yakovlev".

"But compared with what is necessary to organize - this is just a drop in the ocean. Everyone knows how popular among Russian and foreign tourists cruise to Valaam, Kizhi, other tourist and pilgrimage routes of Lake Ladoga are, Alexander Smirnov said. There is no doubt that the cruise tours to this beautiful center of ancient Russia, as Veliky Novgorod, will be very popular. Furthermore the region has not only unique historical monuments, but also developed tourist infrastructure. This is hotels, camping, camp sites (a total of 72 objects), the total number of rooms which is more than 6,000 seats. In the year they take more than 280 000 tourists, only 25 000 of which are foreigners. In 2011 in the Novgorod region construction and commissioning of new tourist facilities. Total investment cost of construction is 4.4 billion rubles, as a result 500 places of tourist accommodation will be brought. With the development of water cruises, we hope that the number of our guests will increase by times.

Now our task is to go to new quality and quantity level of water tourism. Studies have shown that the most promising water inter-regional routes: Nizhny Novgorod - Moscow - St. Petersburg - Novgorod and back, Moscow - St. Petersburg - Novgorod, St. Petersburg - Old Ladoga - Sosninskaya Pier - Novgorod, as well as internal river routes with visits to Rurik settlement and Staraya Russa.

But in order the cruise to these directions ran at full capacity it’s necessary to solve some problems, including within the framework of developing regional program and with the support of the party "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" .

Now the number of parking lots and terminals are not enough, as well as items of their refueling. There is a lack of modern vessels that meet the requirements of navigation on the inland waterways of the Novgorod region. Another serious problem is the need for dredging in some parts of the river Volkhov, the New Ladoga and Onega channels. There is a problem with the class of cruise ships that will be used for new tourist routes. For example, along route St. Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod with accordance with the rules vessels with no more than 2-2.2 meters, which should have the category of "L-S" (Lake-sea) can go, since the route passes through Lake Ladoga, is assigned the category S.

Working to solve these problems is already underway. Consultations are underway to amend the regulations of the Volkhov hydroelectric station to maintain the hydrological regime of the Volkhov River, which provides depth throughout the river 2.4 meters. Specialists of St. Petersburg University of Water Communications, a preliminary estimation of dredging operation cost at the channels mentioned above. It is 1 billion rubles. Now we have to ensure works investment in this volume.

Work is also underway to obtain the Ministry of Transportation permission to pass on the planned routes of various classes of ships.

We are doing our best to solve the problem fundamentally, to overcome all the restrictive barriers to the development of cruise shipping. If they are removed, in 2012-2013 already the Novgorod region will become a major center for the cruise boating ", Alexander Smirnov said.

The Altai Republic: "Swiss" resort is being created in Siberia

The Altai Republic is to become one of the largest centers of domestic and international tourism.

August 25 in Gorno-Altaisk, a meeting devoted to development of tourism and boating was held chaired by the regional coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", First Deputy Prime Minister of Altai Republic Sergei Tevonyana.

Sergei Tevonyan summarized the past in the Gorno-Altaisk 10th meeting of the International Coordinating Council "Our Common Home - Altai" and outlined the strategic directions of development of the tourism industry, which require the full support, including the Party Project.

According to him, the jubilee meeting of the ICC "Our Common Home - Altai" was attended by delegations from China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Let us recall the border areas of these countries are included in the international zone jointed by brand name "Great Altai", and are interested in the development of closer inter-territorial cooperation. According to Sergei Tevonyana at the meeting of ICC priority investment projects in the Republic of Altai were discussed. Among them: the development of water tourism, creation of special economic zone of tourist-recreational type "Altai Valley" and all-season ski resort "Manzherok".

In the comments for ER.RU Sergei Tevonyan named the main priorities of its work in this area as the coordinator of the project "United Russia".

"The flow of Russian and foreign tourists visiting the Republic in 2008 accounts more than 1 million people and since that has been growing annually by nearly 100 thousand people per year. Our goal is to become one of the major tourist centers in Russia, Sergey Tevonyan pointed. Gorny Altai is compared to the resorts of Switzerland. We have the same unique lakes, mountain rivers, vast meadows of edelweiss and spectacular waterfalls in our republic. However, we are constantly developing tourist infrastructure. The country has more than 190 hotels, holiday camps and campgrounds, offering travelers more than 9 thousand places.

A year ago the target programme "The long-term territorial organization and development of domestic and inbound tourism in the Altai Republic in 2011 - 2016 years" was adopted. The amount of funding originally pledged to the programme is more than 23 billion rubles. Moreover more than 14.5 billion rubles is planned to attract from extra-budgetary sources, which in itself speaks about the investment attractiveness of the region as a tourist destination. The main directions of the programme became: the creation of infrastructure for investment projects realization, improvement of safety for tourists, a massive information campaign to promote the Republic of Altai as an international tourist center. Well, of course, the expansion of tourist facilities.

If we talk about the main directions of regional tourism, one of the most important is eco-tourism. Water, hiking, climbing, caving tours are very popular among the guests of the republic. Traditionally hunting and fishing attract tourists. Also, in recent times, we are actively developing ski resorts.

Boating in Altai develops because of the unique lakes of our republic. The most popular among tourists is Teletskoye lake. Almost all boarding houses, camping sites and camping of located in it offer excursions on boats and yachts. In all in lakes and rivers of the republic tourists are served by more than 500 vessels. Here are the best places for fishing.

Another unique facility is a cascade of seven Karakol lakes. In each of them the water is different in color and chemical composition. Hiking and horseback riding tours to the chain of lakes Shavlinskih tour operators often offer to complete by rafting on the river Katuni. We develop and other modern areas of boating: diving, kite surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. In the near future the further expansion of the infrastructure of tourist facilities, especially the construction of docks and piers are planned. Particular attention will be paid to the security of boating.

By 2016 we plan to expand significantly the network of tourist sites in the Altai Republic. When the activities of the programme will be successfully implemented Altai, in terms of attractiveness to tourists, will be able to compete even with such tourist mecca like Moscow, St. Petersburg and Golden Ring," Sergey Tevonyan said.

Novatek: the development of oil and gas industry of the future

Representatives of top management of JSC "Novatek" will participate in the IV International Conference "Transport and Transit Potential", organized by the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia".

The company is positioning itself as Russia's largest independent natural gas producer and second largest producer of natural gas in Russia, after JSC "Gazprom". JSC "NOVATEK" is engaged in the exploration, extraction, processing and selling of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons and has fifteen years experience in the Russian oil and gas industry.

The conference will be attended by First Deputy Chairman of JSC "Novatek" Mikhail Popov, Director of marketing and sales of liquid hydrocarbons Alexei Kuvandykov.

Let us recall that the development of one of the largest projects of JSC "Novatek" - "Yamal LNG" has been already discussed in the previous conferences, organized this year within the framework of Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital"

This project includes the development of one of the largest gas fields – South-Tambeyskoye, where proven reserves of natural gas are 1.3 trillion cubic meters. Now the issue of building on the base of the deposit of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production plant is on the agenda. This is the second largest plant in Russia, and much more powerful than on Sakhalin. The plant is needed in order not to transport gas by pipeline, but by sea.

The project "Yamal LNG" is planned to build a new seaport in the Ob Bay near the village of Sabetta. Work in this direction is already underway. And tanker fleet of ice class consisting of at least 20 ships will be built.

"The unique location of the Yamal is able to create flexible, competitive logistic model, which provides year-round supplies of liquefied natural gas to markets in Europe and North America, as well as direct deliveries of LNG to the Asia-Pacific region through the Northern Sea Route, the coordinator of the " UNITED RUSSIA " Party Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District Eugene Miskevich said. – The use of the Northern Sea Route during the navigation season can significantly reduce the cost and time of delivery of liquid hydrocarbons in the Asia-Pacific region. For example, duration of transportation to China along the Northern Sea Route is less by 20%, in South Korea by 32%, in Japan 54%, compared to the traditional routes. That is why the LNG plant, located near the mine, is a must".

Estimated date of putting the LNG plant into operation is 2016. Arrangement and necessary quantity of drilling for putting of deposit into operation must be completed, a port must be built and a tanker fleet of icebreaking class must be formed by this moment.

Implementation of "Yamal LNG" Programme will contribute to a substantial increase in production and export of LNG and will enable our country to take 10 percent of the world market of this energy source.

Do not forget that the deposit development, construction of new ports, fleet and infrastructure is tens of thousands of new jobs. Creation and implementation of innovative technologies in gas processing in arctic conditions will give impetus to development of science. Construction of drilling platforms, icebreakers and tankers will load the Russian shipbuilding companies with the work.

"BELKOMUR" is on the launch pad

Deputy Chairman of the Perm City Duma, Coordinator of the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA" in the Perm region Yuri Utkin considers that created all the economic prerequisites for the realization of one of the largest transportation projects in our country - "BELKOMUR". The matter depends on a final political decision.

Let us recall that the project "BELKOMUR" (the White Sea - Komi - Ural) includes the construction of a new rectifying the main line with total length of 1155 km, including new construction - 715 km , and the rest - the reconstruction and strengthening of existing lines. The main line will connect with each other Perm, Solikamsk, Syktyvkar and Arkhangelsk. Thus, there will be a short transport route connecting the Urals and Siberia with the ports of Northern Russia. The reduction of distance of cargo run by 800 km will have a huge economic impact. According to some experts, the transportation cost can be reduced by 40%. The building of a new main line will give a powerful impetus to the infrastructural development of the territories that will be crossed by it. The project is expected to create 45,000 new jobs.

According to the official site of the project: www.belkomur.com, the idea of main line building has been put forward in 1995. The whole question was being hampered by investment. Significant acceleration of the project was in 2010 when proposals for development have been formulated in the resolution of the III International Conference "Transport and Transit Potential" of the "UNITED RUSSIA" Party Project.

Recommendations of the conference were taken into account when organizing of retreat of Russian Ministry of Transport in Perm, the main issue of which has been an acceleration of the project "BELKOMUR" realization. This idea is supported not only by the Transport Ministry of Russia, but by Russian State Duma Committee on Transport.

According to Yuri Utkin, who as coordinator of the Party Project makes every effort the project to have a start in life, construction of the railroad tracks Solikamsk-Syktyvkar is the most economically reasonable. Above all, enterprises - producers of potash fertilizer are interested in her laying. They have long been out of the crisis, the intensive development and traffic flows in the near future will be increased by 3 times. Private companies are ready to invest in infrastructure development in that case if the construction of road will be financed by the government. "The economic explanation of the building of this section of the route is reported to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and now we await the final decision to launch this project", Yuri Utkin sums up.

Some optimism about the launch of the project "BELKOMUR" in full is inspired by the words of the Minister of Regional Development Viktor Basargin, who did not rule out that the project may be given to the Government Commission on Regional Development in 2012.

NAO: A Strategy for the Russian North

The event was attended by the experts of the Project, arrived from Moscow: Alexander Belousov and Viktor Kuzmin - representatives of "Business Russia".

The issues of the further development of the Project in the region were discussed. Let us recall that the Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" is the largest platform for strategic decision-making in the field of transport and transit policy, environment, transport security and a number of related areas. Now the Project has been actively developing its work in the regions.

Jan Berlin marked the major tasks of the region development which require the full political and investment support. And the Project plays an important role in this work.

Development of the Northern Sea Route is inextricably linked with the creation of its headquarters. Jan Berlin believes that, in terms of economic viability and geographic location, the best location for the headquarters is Amderma Village.

Next to this village on the coast of the Kara Sea there is a station for ships of the Northern Sea Route, the largest oil shale deposits. There is an airfield and government research base in Amderma. Realizing the immense importance of this area development, Jan Berlin is making every effort to ensure that the headquarters will be in a Amderma.

According to Jan Berlin one more global undertaking is the construction of a new deepwater port in Indiga on Barents Sea coast. This port will have strategic importance to the transportation system. But the port itself can not perform its tasks without the simultaneous development of rail transport network. It is about building of two railway lines: from Komi to Indiga, and along the coast of the Kara Sea. Also there is an issue with the completion of public roads in Naryan-Mar - Usinsk. As a regional leader and as the coordinator of the Project of "UNITED RUSSIA" Jan Berlin pays special attention to the development of these undertakings.

The working meeting participants discussed a number of issues of environmental security in the region that are particularly relevant in areas of oil field development. As Alexander Belousov stressed, "Business Russia" pays much attention to collecting and analyzing data on the environmental situation in the regions. For this the organization established a special Committee on the Environment".

Another topic of discussion was the practical human resource issues. Between the Project and the "Business Russia" cooperation agreement was concluded, according to which "Business Russia" participates in the selection and training of specialists in the regions to work in regional offices under the guidance of the Project coordinator.

In this work, the most important role is played by the Project "UNITED RUSSIA" "Labour potential- a professional team of the country". Based on the strong support of a Labour potential and "Business Russia", the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" intends to create a regional network of offices staffed by effective managers that will "keep a finger on the pulse" and contribute to strategic objectives fulfillment.

Development of transport infrastructure of Kalmykia will be realized with the participation of the Project

First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kalmykia Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov was appointed as the Regional Project Coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia".

The appointment of the regional Project coordinator is very topical for Kalmykia. Transport is one of the problematic sectors of the Republic. Scanty development of transport infrastructure is one of the major factors restraining the development of Kalmykia, and blocking the inflow of investments. Kalmykia has a favorable geopolitical position, whose potential is not using in full measures.

Regional Project Coordinator, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kalmykia Vyacheslav Ilyumzhinov said, "The topic of transport corridors and logistics on a global scale, tourism development issues are of particular importance for Kalmykia. Since ancient times and now its territory is lying on the cross of caravan, and now - today's route" North - South "and" West - East ". It’s a honor for me to become a regional coordinator of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia". In this capacity, I hope to attract the attention of the public and business people to the water projects of Kalmykia.

The activity of the Republic in the framework of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" will be possible in several areas. First, the construction of a port in the Lagan in the Caspian Sea. This is one of the accesses of Russia and European countries in the Asian region - Iran, China, India and other countries.

Second, a global-scale channel "Eurasia", which in future would connect the Caspian Sea with the Azov-Black Sea basin. "Eurasia" means the access of Kazakhstan, Central Asian countries, China, Mongolia to the West - in Russia and Europe.

There are other "water" ideas, in particular, the port village of Tsagaan Aman on the Volga River, or a chain of reservoirs in arid Kalmykia steppe.

The Republic of Kalmykia is making efforts to realize these projects. And it is hoped that our ideas will be realized "through the Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia".

Let us recall that the Party Project includes important issues such as the development of transport infrastructure, transport and transit potential, sea and river tourism in Russia, as well as safety and environmental issues in transportation. On the 1st of July it was announced about 40 regional offices of the Project creation. "The appointment of regional coordinators is a extremely important step in the development of the Project. One of our goals is to identify problem areas, find new perspectives and opportunities to develop transport infrastructure in Russia. Regional coordinators will be our "eyes and ears" in the region. Thanks to their work Project will receive relevant information ", the Project coordinator, Member of the Supreme Council' Bureau of the Party “UNITED RUSSIA” Artur Chilingarov said.

Modernization of the bus service will reduce tariffs by 30%

Working Group of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia" carried out large-scale study of the passenger bus services state in the Russian Federation

Working meeting between expert of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", one of the authors of the Programme of passenger bus transportation modernization Valery Ivanovsky and the Chairman of the Committee on Transport of Novgorod Andrei Sharonov was held on the 7th of July within the framework of the III International cConference "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia . Sea tourism".

At the working meeting Ivanovski and Sharon discussed the prospects for the modernization program of bus transportation in the Novgorod region. Implementation of this program will reduce the tariffs to 30% for the transportation of passengers by bus in general use.

Large-scale study of the state passenger bus services in the Russian Federation was carried out by working group of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia". Experts assessed the state of the bus transportation market as a critical and inappropriate to strategic objectives of economic modernization in Russia. In this connection it was decided to develop a program of passenger bus service modernization, the most important feature of which is that it provides not only the mechanisms for updating the rolling stock of passenger transport companies, but also offers a completely new approach to the production process of passengers transportation, as well as improving government instruments of industry management. Timely renewal of rolling stock and transport security are important components of the Programme.

An innovative approach to organizing of bus transportation, reflected in the program, will reduce the cost of passengers’ transportation at least 2 times. It will lead to lowering of tariffs by 25-30%.

Chairman of the Committee on Transport of Novgorod Andrei Sharonov is also interested in the program of passenger bus transportation modernization. The issue of implementing of the program in the Novgorod region is under consideration.

Let us recall, the Rostov region is also interested in implementing of the program of passenger bus services modernization. Taking the materials of the working group of the Project "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia", Ministry of Transport of the Rostov region in support of the Governor Vasily Golubev is already working on launching of a pilot project. The project is implemented in the city of Shahty with the support of Mayor Dennis Stanislav. A working group headed by the deputy of “United Russia” Party City Council Dmitry Kravtsov is established in the city government.

Murmansk region is going to develop the Arctic tourism

First Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region Natalia Portnaya was appointed Regional Project Coordinator of the "United Russia" Party Project "Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia". Let us recall July 1 the Project Coordinator, Member of the Supreme Council of the Party Artur Chilingarov announced the appointment of regional coordinators in 40 regions of Russia.

Joint work of the Murmansk Region and the Project has been ongoing for years. The Russian Northern Fleet, the Russian-Finnish and Norwegian-Russian borders, year-round ice-free port, the Northern Sea Route - all of which are prerequisites for successful cooperation within the framework of the Project.

Natalia Portnaya considers that one of the priority areas of cooperation is the development of the tourism industry in the Murmansk Region. "Murmansk has all the necessary component parts to become a center of Arctic cruise tourism. Each year the exotic climate of the Murmansk Region and the natural conditions attract more tourists. Murmansk region is called "the mysterious Russian Lapland". There are more than 111 thousand lakes, 20 thousand rivers, different types of landscapes - from tundra to boreal forests, the polar day and night, northern lights in the region. All these attract tourists - she said in comments for ER.RU.

But now Murmansk region can not make full use of existent potential- especially because of the lack of a developed tourist infrastructure, "For example, tourists, traveling to the Arctic from Murmansk port, have to stop in an industrial area. To solve this problem, we plan to create an analogue of Saint-Petersburg passenger port "Sea Facade" - "Arctic Harbor". Construction Program has been developed and approved at a meeting of the Sea Board of the Government of the Russian Federation". Work on the construction of the Murmansk "Sea Facade" - "Arctic harbor" is planned to complete by Jubilee 2016 - when Murmansk will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The resumption of ferry service and the introduction of mode "72 hours" are also in plans of Murmansk Region Authority.

Portnaya recalled that ferry service between Murmansk and Kirkenes (Norway) was established as long ago as 90 years, "But now there is no infrastructure for this. Establishment of water communication with St. Petersburg is also part of our plans. Thanks to this tourists arriving on the water in St. Petersburg could continue its journey to the north of the Russian land".

However, Murmansk is not only the Arctic cruise tourism center, but also it’s a major transport hub. So the development and increase in transport-transit potential of the region is another priority area of work in the framework of the "St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia". There are currently building of a large coal and liquid bulk terminals, railway construction (from station Vyhodnaya to station Lavna - to the terminals that are under construction). This will allow realizing the efficient transportation with fast access to the transport corridor "North-South".

Portnaya noted another important area of work - development of the Northern Sea Route. "Northern Sea Route is an important transport artery not only for the development of transportation and transit flows, but also for the development of the tourism industry. In 2010 the first pilot passages on the Northern Sea Route went through successfully, this year we plan to continue this work ", Portnaya concluded.