Hämeenlinna disappointed by Janakkala’s withdrawal from transportation investment project

Hämeenlinna has expressed disappointment over neighboring Janakkala’s decision to withdraw from a vital transportation investment project aimed at enhancing local business areas. Janakkala announced its exit from the funding agreement for the Moreeni-Rastikankaa interchange, which was intended to connect the business zones of both municipalities into a single large area. This strategically located zone is expected to attract business and create jobs, with plans for it to host a significant logistics center proposed by the postal service. The goal is to establish around 3,000 jobs and 150 companies in the region by 2030.

The towns have been collaborating on the More area project for an extended period. However, Janakkala’s municipal council stated on Monday that it could not afford its share of the interchange costs due to financial pressures from significant school investment projects. The rising cost of constructing the interchange also posed a challenge for Janakkala.

Olli-Poika Parviainen, Hämeenlinna’s mayor, likened the situation to a festive dinner that was meant to be paid for jointly, highlighting the unfortunate turn of events for Hämeenlinna’s taxpayers. Despite Janakkala’s withdrawal from the interchange funding, Reijo Löytynoja, Janakkala’s municipal council chairman, assured that Janakkala would manage its share of improvements to another interchange and remain involved in other facets of the project.

Parviainen noted that both municipalities have an interest in the area’s development, although trust has been shaken by the situation. Nevertheless, he affirmed Hämeenlinna’s commitment to the More project, having secured state funding and promising local businesses that the important interchange will be completed as planned.