Floods in the Alpes-Maritimes: the consultation brought together 10% of the inhabitants

"It shows that there is a desire on the part of people to bounce back after the crisis they have experienced," insisted Mr. Fesneau on Saturday in an interview with AFP.

In total, 1.421 of the approximately 15.000 inhabitants of the Roya, Vésubie and Tinée valleys, where the floods of October 2020 left 10 dead and eight missing, took part in this consultation. A figure "far above the average for similar exercises", according to the summary consulted by AFP.

Based on these proposals, already shared with the mayors, discussions will now begin with the local authorities, called upon to finance them. "Because the idea is that it is the State and the local authorities who decide on the projects to be financed", explained Mr. Fesneau.

Of the 572 million euros devoted to reconstruction, the State has reserved 50 million euros for these participatory projects, funding which could more than double thanks to local authorities and the European Union.

The selected projects will be presented in the fall. "The important thing is to assume our choices and to assume them publicly", pleaded Mr. Fesneau, according to whom the cost will not be the only criterion: "The range of projects chosen must correspond to the desire of the territory , beyond strict reconstruction".

Four main axes have emerged, with the aim of "living valleys", in particular by reviving the historic centers of the villages by rehabilitating housing and welcoming new inhabitants.

Second axis, the need for "adapted connections" between valleys. Thus it is necessary to "open up the territory, digitally and physically", with the development of a high-speed network or the modernization of railway lines.

To open up Casterino, still isolated since the floods, at an altitude of 1.550 m in the Roya, a cable car was suggested to reach the hotels and the cross-country skiing site of the hamlet.

As part of a "different balance with nature", the inhabitants are calling for an energy transition, in particular by developing renewable energies and again supporting the wood sector.

Finally, to encourage a "new attractiveness", a diversification of the tourist accommodation offer seems necessary, as does the creation of commercial activity zones, a free zone, or the enhancement of cultural heritage.