Hualien-Taitung Fund Faces Deficit; KMT, TPP Propose Annual Subsidies and Public Transport Support

Taiwan's legislative bloc, comprising members from the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is pushing for crucial financial support to ensure the continued development of the Hualien-Taitung region. At the heart of their proposal is the urgent need to replenish the Hualien-Taitung Sustainable Development Fund, which is facing a projected NT$6 billion deficit by 2026. The legislators are calling for an annual government allocation of NT$3 billion to stabilize the fund, which was initially endowed with NT$40 billion but has seen its resources dwindle since its completion in 2021. Furthermore, the KMT and TPP lawmakers are advocating for subsidies on public transportation fares for residents traveling between Hualien, Taitung, and other parts of Taiwan. They propose that the government should cover at least 30% of these travel costs. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents and promote greater connectivity within the region. The current 'Hualien-Taitung Region Development Act,' enacted in 2011, mandates the development of four-year comprehensive plans, but the sustainability of these plans hinges on consistent funding. The deficit threatens to stall vital infrastructure and development projects, underscoring the urgency of the legislative proposals. From a Taiwanese perspective, ensuring the equitable development of eastern Taiwan, which often faces logistical and economic challenges compared to the west coast, is a matter of national importance and regional fairness.

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The Hualien-Taitung Fund's scale has been shrinking in recent years, and its use is increasingly restricted. With the fourth phase (2024-2027) of the comprehensive development implementation plan for the Hualien-Taitung region about to expire, the remaining fund is projected to have a deficit of NT$6 billion.