Elche Mayor Pablo Ruz has commented on the regional budget, describing it as "historic" and a testament to the Valencian administration's commitment to the city. These funds will advance major announced projects, with an estimated direct investment of 27.5 million euros for Elche, although not all of it is specifically itemized in this year's accounts. This sum includes new allocations, such as the renovation of the General Hospital, which is a key highlight, while the remainder is allocated to ongoing projects or the initiation of new ones.
The primary investment focus is on the healthcare sector: 7.3 million euros for the renovation of specialized care centers within the Elche Health Department, 300,000 euros for primary care renovations, and 1.7 million euros for the comprehensive overhaul of the current operating rooms. This measure serves as a Plan B following the stalled new surgical hospital project due to litigation over construction issues.
In addition to healthcare, the mayor highlighted 150,000 euros for the project's drafting for the renovation and expansion of the San Fermín Health Center. He also committed to expanding the current Torrellano clinic, which will be transformed into a healthcare center with four times its current capacity.
Within the 27.5 million euros, annual installments are included to complete ongoing projects, such as the 3.5 million euros for the Travalón health center. In education, over 5.3 million euros are allocated for the completion of school construction, including Les Arrels and Virgen de la Luz. Small new allocations have been earmarked, such as 8,000 euros for Tirant Lo Blanc and 50,000 euros for La Torreta, intended for the drafting of a new Vocational Training (FP) center proposed for sector E-16 (El Arsenal).
In the educational sphere, the plan to relocate the Conservatory to a municipal building by 2027 is also noteworthy, while efforts continue to secure a new conservatory. Regarding housing, 1.1 million euros have been allocated for the 45-unit building in San Antón and 100,000 euros for urban regeneration. 50,000 euros are budgeted for a future agreement between the Generalitat and the Ministry under the State Housing Plan. The 69 protected housing units in Los Palmerales, part of the Plan Vive, are also highlighted.
For water infrastructure, the wastewater treatment plant has a budget of 3.89 million euros for this year, a figure not itemized but currently in the adjudication process.
Regarding the Tram, a new 100,000 euro agreement is planned to define the route between San Fermín and the Puente del Ferrocarril. For the Convent of La Merced (Clarisas), half a million euros have been allocated to initiate the tender process for the works, with an estimated cost of around 7 million euros.
The Ronda Sur (Southern Ring Road) is progressing slowly, with 1.1 million euros allocated for 2026, 18.7 million for 2027, and 16 million for 2028. The City Council aims to tender the works before the end of the year, with an expropriation process to begin between June and July. The Elche-Santa Pola dual carriageway remains pending, affected by disagreements over expropriation compensation.
