Russia Approves Controversial Roadway

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
December 14, 2010 at 10:41 am

Russia has decided to go ahead with plans to construct a new highway that will run through an ancient forest, despite heated protests from environmentalists.

Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov announced Tuesday a government commission had approved construction of the highway connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg.

He said the government would provide funds to compensate for damage caused by the portion of the highway that would run through the Khimki forest outside Moscow.

In August, President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the government to suspend work on the project because of environmental concerns. His order came after hundreds of opponents of the roadway staged a violent protest in July.

Supporters have argued the highway is needed for economic development.