Former President of the Botoșani County Council, Doina FEDEROVICI: „Modern infrastructure opens new horizons for economic growth and prosperity”

Doina Federovici, President of the Botoșani County Council from 2020 to 2024, played an important role in promoting and advancing essential infrastructure projects for the counties of Botoșani and Suceava

During her term, Federovici consistently supported the need to develop high-speed road networks to ensure connectivity in the Moldova region and to stimulate the economic growth of the counties she represented.

How do you see the role of high-speed roads, such as expressways and highways, in the development of Botoșani County and the entire Moldova Region?

High-speed roads are the key to Moldova’s development. They connect isolated communities to major economic corridors, reduce travel time, and make the county more attractive to investors. Modern infrastructure is indispensable for industrial, tourism, and economic development.

Why do you believe that without an adequate road infrastructure, regional development cannot be achieved?

Without adequate road infrastructure, our region remains isolated. Without connectivity, businesses cannot grow, and investors are not attracted to come here. Modern infrastructure opens new horizons for economic growth and well-being.

What importance do the Botoșani – Suceava Expressway and the A7 Highway hold for the development of Botoșani County?

These projects are our “passport for development.” The Expressway and A7 will transform Botoșani County into a nodal point, connecting it to the rest of the country and to European networks. These projects will open new business opportunities and attract investments in the area.

You were the first politician to publicly call for a highway for Botoșani. How did you accelerate the advancement of this project?

I brought all involved parties to the discussion table – Botoșani County Council, Suceava, and the Mayors’ Offices of both counties – and took over the technical documentation to expedite the process. Our efforts led to funding from the Transport Program and the completion of the initial feasibility studies.

What were the first concrete steps in achieving the Botoșani – Suceava Expressway?

The first major step was signing the partnership agreement in 2022. This agreement allowed us to take over the technical documentation from CNAIR and manage the project locally. This way, we quickly progressed with feasibility studies and technical projects.

Can you elaborate on the steps involved in preparing the technical documentation and how you secured funding from the Transport Program?

We secured funding through the Transport Program, which allowed us to award the contract for conducting the feasibility study, technical project, and obtaining the necessary permits. We also prepared the documentation for assignment and technical assistance during the execution of the works.

What are the three proposed route options, and what is the importance of the unloading nodes?

The three route options provide adapted solutions for the county’s connectivity. The unloading nodes are essential – they facilitate rapid access to the A7 Highway, and the Huțani node, for instance, opens the way to the Bucecea industrial park and the city of Dorohoi, stimulating local development.

Why is the node at Huțani essential for the development of Botoșani County?

The Huțani node is important because it will connect the north and west of the county to the highway network. This will allow a faster flow of goods and stimulate economic activity in Bucecea, Dorohoi, and other neighboring areas.

How will the development of the Bucecea industrial park contribute to strengthening the local economic network?

The Bucecea industrial park will become an important logistical and industrial hub due to its quick connection with the A7 Highway. This will attract significant investments and create jobs, thus providing a boost to the Botoșani County economy.

How does the Botoșani – Suceava Expressway contribute to the connectivity of Botoșani County to the national high-speed road network?

The Expressway will connect Botoșani directly to the A7 Highway and the national network. This way, the county will have quick access to national and international markets, being connected both to the south and west of the country via the future A8 Highway.

What is the significance of the connection between the A7 Highway and the Union Highway (A8) for the development of the county?

The A8 Highway will create an essential connection between the east and west of the country, and the link node between A7 and A8, located in Pașcani, will transform Botoșani into a key economic and logistical center for the Moldova region.

At what stage is the Botoșani – Suceava Expressway project currently?

The designers are now preparing the technical documentation for the first multi-criteria analysis. We aim to advance as much as possible in this phase so that the project becomes irreversible and can be continued by future administrations.

Why do you consider this project to be our “passport for development?”

This project opens Botoșani County to major economic opportunities. Through the connectivity provided by the A7 Highway and the Expressway, the county will become a nodal point on the national infrastructure map and attract major investments.

How do you respond to critics who consider this project “fantastical?”

This project is absolutely realistic. We have already demonstrated that we can advance with the technical documentation and that we have secured funding. The criticism does not reflect reality and does not undermine the importance of this project for the county’s future.

Can you provide more technical details about the Botoșani – Suceava Expressway?

The road will be 20 km long, starting near Salcea Airport and passing through locations like Dumbrăveni, Huțani, Vlădeni, and Baisa, with two lanes in each direction and a maximum speed of 120 km/h. It will connect Botoșani to the national high-speed road network.