Fermo loses regional funding for architectural barrier removal

The municipality of Fermo has been forced to return a 30% advance payment to the Marche Region after losing funding intended for the Plan for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers (PEBA).

An inquiry by opposition councilor Saturnino “Nino” Di Ruscio indicates that the loss resulted from procedural errors, specifically the failure to submit the plan's approval resolution and expense reports by the September 1, 2025, deadline. Because no extension was requested, the Region issued a decree in February 2026 revoking the financing.

The revocation impacts local accessibility projects, including a missing stairlift on Via delle Mura and a pedestrian bridge on Via Salvo D’Acquisto that lacks its planned elevator. The administration faces scrutiny regarding administrative inefficiency and the failure to meet legal obligations for public accessibility.