Torino Olympics alarmed by budget cut

Torino Olympics alarmed by budget cut{mosimage}Turin Olympics officials expressed alarm Monday over a government proposal to cut $19.43 million from the budget for the Winter Games just four months before they open.

The reduction is part of $26.59 billion in spending cuts and revenue-raising measures designed to bring Italy’s budget deficit within limits set by the European Union. The measures must be passed by the end of the year.

Italian Olympic Committee president Gianni Petrucci said he was “surprised and worried” over the possible cuts.

“I had the feeling that everyone, from the government to the opposition, was in agreement over the importance of the Olympics,” Petrucci told Corriere della Sera. “A cut like this so soon before the games start does not permit adjustments to the schedule.”

Turin organizers believed they had overcome persistent budget problems in June, when premier Silvio Berlusconi signed an agreement to cover $157.87 million for the games.

The deal allows funds to go to the organizing committee of the games through Sviluppo Italia, an agency linked to the Economy Ministry that promotes business development and investment.

TOROC deputy CEO Luciano Barra stressed that the proposed measures still must be approved by parliament.

Sviluppo Italia president Massimo Caputi told Corriere that the proposed reduction includes money allocated for a $7.29 million publicity campaign to boost sluggish domestic ticket sales. The campaign was slated to begin within a few days.

Fuel, electricity, bathrooms for athletes and other minor projects also risk being canceled, Caputi said.

The overall cost of the Feb. 10-26 Olympics is estimated at more than $3.64 billion.

-The Associated Press