IMPROVEMENT OF PORT INFRASTRUCTURE ON CROATIAN ISLANDS USING EU FUNDS – THE ISLAND OF BRAČ, THE PORT OF BOL

Abstract

Bol is located on the island of Brač, therefore connecting Bol with the mainland or with the national road network is extremely important both for tourism and for the economy as a whole. Port Bol belongs to the ports of county significance and is managed by the Port Authority of Split-Dalmatia. In the town of Bol on Brač, there is a port open to public passenger traffic that connects the island of Brač with the mainland and the ports of the other islands. The existing port is characterized by limited capacity, dilapidation, and inadequate construction considering the demand of maritime traffic in the port. This paper will present the expansion of the port of Bol open to public traffic in order to create a high-quality harbour pier for public traffic, which would relieve the traffic burden of the city of Bol and the municipality of Bol and provide the local population with quality public transportation, which is currently not available, with as little as possible impact on the environment. The purpose of the project is not to make money, but to create content that will improve the quality of life of the local population and keep them in Bol in order to reduce the tendency of the "island dying". The local population is the main driver of the city's development and life. In order to improve the demographic picture, it is necessary to provide the local population with quality primary conditions for life and progress.