Development of connections at the Suoperä–Kuusamo border station
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The intention of the project was to promote the initiation of the Kuusamo-Suoperä international border crossing point. The project was seen as promoting the functions at the border crossing location and creating prerequisites for different types of traffic modes in a trans-border environment.

Main activities

• to assess the data communication and electricity supply options at the border station as well as the profitability and readiness of air traffic from Kuusamo to Russia and vice versa.

Achievements

The long, multi-phased project achieved the desired results when the Tacis funding granted for the construction of the border station in 2001 was committed in a contract between the EuropeAid, the Russian Customs Authority and the selected contractor (PEAB Seico Oy) on Dec 22, 2004 in order for the construction work to be completed during 2005. The other goal of the project, the opening of the flight path in the Salla–Kuusamo region that would cross the border was discussed with the Russian parties; however, after discussions with different parties, an agreement was reached that the work related to opening an actual flight path would not be started until the Kuusamo–Suoperä international border crossing point had been opened.