Hualien County Allocates NT$140 Million for Beichang Market Renovation; Councilor Criticizes 'Favoritism'

Central News Agency, Hualien, May 26. The Hualien County government's plan to allocate over NT$100 million for the renovation of Beichang Market in Ji'an Township has been criticized by Councilor Yang Hua-mei for excessive subsidies and favoritism. The county government stated that it fully supports the project, which was proposed by the township office under the Hualien-Taitung Development Fund, and will complete it through annual budget allocations. During the general interpellation of the 20th Hualien County Council's 7th regular session, independent councilor Yang Hua-mei pointed out that the excessive subsidy for Beichang Market is a 'ridiculous case' in the recent Hualien County government. Yang stated that the total cost for the renovation is nearly NT$200 million. While the central Hualien-Taitung Development Fund provides NT$55 million, the county government has allocated NT$44.6 million this year, leaving a gap of NT$99.6 million. Yang questioned how the county plans to cover this. Yang noted that Ji'an Township is a first-tier financial township, and according to county subsidy regulations, the maximum subsidy should be 10% (around NT$10 million). However, the county promised NT$140 million and even added a 'tyrannical clause' to the subsidy regulations, stating that 'other projects approved by the county government are not subject to subsidy ratio limits.' Yang argued that the subsidy ratio for Beichang Market has broken the limit to reach 100%, calling it 'exceptional favoritism.' Compared to the 30% subsidy for roads in the磯崎部落 of Fengbin Township, she warned of potential resource crowding out. Yang also questioned the county's policy priorities, noting that while NT$140 million is being spent on a nearly empty market, the county is asking the central government to fully cover the NT$120 million demolition cost for the earthquake-damaged 'Fuyi Jinghua' building and the Mata'an flood reconstruction. Tourism Department Director Yu Ming-hsun stated that the county cannot reject a project proposed by the township office under the Hualien-Taitung Development Fund. He emphasized that as a major construction project, it is not subject to financial tier limits. Yu noted that Beichang Village, adjacent to Hualien City, has a population of over 8,700, the highest in the township, and future population growth justifies the market's demand. Beichang Market, opened in 1984, has been in decline for over a decade due to poor planning. Most vendors have moved out, leaving only a few stalls, with the rest of the space used for parking. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching)