Mayor's Memo, Presented at the Local Council Meeting on February 8th, 2024

As usual, I give a brief overview of some of the main projects that we at Rangárþing eystra are dealing with these days

Trip to a Waste Incineration Plant in Finland

From January 18th to 20th, I had the chance to visit Finland and explore a waste incineration plant operated by Ferropower, located in a town north of Helsinki. It was fascinating to learn about this innovative solution, which hadn't been available before. Ferropower uses the plant to generate hot water for their own heating needs and sells excess energy to the town's heating system. This plant has been running smoothly for the past four years, processing between 1000 to 2500 tons of non-recyclable household waste annually. To put that into perspective, it's like what Sorpstöð Rangárvallasýslu does, but on a much larger scale. This plant meets strict pollution control standards, playing a crucial role in the circular economy.

Parking Lot Development at Skógafoss

Exciting news! Rangárþing eystra is looking for bids to build a new parking lot at Skógafoss. This project is significant and will greatly enhance the area's infrastructure. Alongside the parking lot, they're planning to kick off the first phase of renovating the sewage system in Skógum. The parking fees will fund ongoing development, including street upgrades, landscaping, footpaths, and facilities maintenance. The aim is to have the new parking lot fully operational by September 15, 2024.

Analysis of Housing Needs at Hvolsskóli

Last fall, Rangárþing eystra decided to conduct an analysis of future housing needs at Hvolsskóli. The goal is to understand the school's housing requirements in the coming years, considering current capacity, student numbers, and anticipated growth. Based on the findings, the municipality can plan for any necessary expansions or changes to accommodation. Results are expected this February, followed by immediate action.

Dormitory for FSU Students

In 2019, South Iceland municipalities pushed for a dormitory for students at Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands (FSU). A deal was struck in 2020, and the dormitory has been a hit, with more demand than space available. A working group, including myself, has been advocating for a new dormitory on FSU grounds, but as the current contract expires soon, there's urgency to secure housing for next school year. The dormitory is crucial for ensuring equal access to education, so it's vital to address this promptly.

Snow Removal

As you've probably noticed, it's been snowing heavily in Rangárþing eystra lately. Municipal teams and contractors have been working hard to clear roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. However, this has caused some delays in street and footpath maintenance, especially where vehicles are parked. Let's all be mindful of our vehicles during heavy snowfall.

Closing Thoughts

While winter might be throwing challenges our way, there's no need to fret. The days are gradually getting longer, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun like skiing, sledding, or simply enjoying nature. Let's make the most of these beautiful days ahead!