Senate passes budget

[NewsWhore]

After two consecutive sessions the Senate has passed the 2009 budget for a total of RD$328.99 billion, as presented by the Executive Branch. The Senate also approved an addendum that replaces the US$1.9 billion four-year authorization for foreign loans with one that assigns RD$100 million to each of the 32 provinces for infrastructure works. Of the US$1.9 billion the government had requested, US$312 million have been approved for spending in 2009, as reported in Listin Diario. The funds are allocated to 24 infrastructure projects, including several hydroelectric plants, aqueducts, and hospitals in cities, among others. They will also go towards purchasing speedboats for the Navy. The bill will now pass to the Chamber of Deputies.

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