On March 12, Minsk /Svetlana Savko - BELTA/. The concept for the development of tourist infrastructure in Polotsk is planned to be implemented within the next two years. This was announced to journalists today by the Chairman of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, Alexander Poznyak, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The concept for the development of tourist infrastructure in Polotsk includes, in particular, the improvement of territories adjacent to the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Spaso-Evfrosinievsky Monastery. The improvement implies the recreation of some historical sites and the development of tourist infrastructure. The city authorities intend to carry out the majority of the work using extra-budgetary funds. "We proceed from the premise that businesses, seeing their benefits, will invest funds in the development of the city's tourist potential," noted Alexander Poznyak. He said that consent has already been received from one investor for the construction of two hotels and a restaurant in Polotsk. The mayor of the city recalled the comprehensive program for the development of Polotsk for 2008-2012, which includes 37 measures. Ten of them have already been completed, and about the same number will be completed this year. However, some projects will not be implemented as planned in 2012 due to a significant increase in the cost of work. Thus, the Polotsk authorities are forced to postpone the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Western Dvina. Funds for its construction are provided for by the State Investment Program for 2012. As Alexander Poznyak explained, they will be used for the preparation of design and estimate documentation. The executive committee plans to carry out the main work at the expense of a private investor, whose search is currently underway. -0-

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