The Italian expense for infrastructure has gone down. In three years - 15%

The Italian government has no budget to start small local works. In 2008 the "home plan" was cancelled, to move the funds to other priorities. Major infrastructures are instead beginning: the bridge over the Strait of Messina, the highway cutting through the north of Region Lombardy, the third mountain highway connecting Milano to Genova, the high speed train from Milan to Verona. These big projects receive7% of the state money. Although it cannot be stated that there is a policy of investing the public money to contain the crisis. The constructors association (Confindustria) declared a -5,1% in the public demand in 2008, -8,1% in 2009 and a forecast of - 3,9% in 2010. Also the workers at risk to lose their job is between 200.000 and 300.000, several companies will close down. The big enterprises with organization and financial capabilities will survive. The small companies in the construction sector lost 25 - 30% of the market share.
The money that was to be spent for the smaller infrastructures was of 825 milion euros but the actual money for the plan was of 413 millions. Only 186 millions will be assigned for 2010.

Source: Il Sole 24 Ore_Jan 2010