These funds are used for investment measures such as the construction of a daycare center and numerous social integration projects.
Since 2017, the integration fund of the state of Lower Saxony has been supporting projects that help urban society cope with the diverse challenges posed by the influx of refugees. In the first year, Delmenhorst and Wilhelmshaven were eligible alongside Salzgitter, other municipalities were added and this year a total of twelve municipalities are receiving money from the fund.
Salzgitter's Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel emphasizes: "Five years after the refugee crisis, our city is still facing enormous challenges due to the ongoing integration of around 6,500 refugees currently living in Salzgitter. For example, the necessary expansion of capacities in child daycare is a financial feat that the city cannot handle alone. And it is still the case that integration projects can only be successful if they are backed by long-term and reliable planning. That is why I welcome the fact that the state has followed the demands of the municipal umbrella organizations and my colleagues and decided to continue the integration fund for another five years in May of this year."
"Immigration is an opportunity for our municipalities. However, the integration of refugees and asylum seekers also presents them with challenges. The city of Salzgitter is particularly affected by this," emphasizes Dr. Ulrike Witt, State Commissioner for Regional Development. "Integration needs good projects that enable the participation of new arrivals. With the state of Lower Saxony, the city of Salzgitter now has a strong supporter at its side for the fourth year in this task. I am delighted to be able to give the city of Salzgitter the good news again this year that it will receive around €4.26 million in funding from the integration fund."