"The Government of Lithuania on Wednesday gave the projected liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Klaipeda the status of national importance. The Cabinet approved the implementation plan of the LNG terminal project which provided for coordination and speedy work of all the institutions involved in the project.

It will force other departments to be more active in solving the issues related to land plots, EIA assessment and the involvement of the sea port in the project. The status stresses the importance of the project and obligates all the departments to accelerate it," Energy Minister Arvydas Sekmokas said after Government meeting Wednesday.

President Dalia Grybauskaite earlier criticised the slow pace of the LNG terminal project. "I positively view the president's urge to build the terminal as soon as possible," Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said.

The prime minister noted that final decisions on the terminal building would be given after an environmental impact assessment. A working group has selected the southern water areas of the port of Klaipeda, near the Kiaules Nugara island, as a priority site for the terminal. According to the energy minister, the preliminary cost of the LNG terminal is about 200 million euros. It will be covered by the government, reports LETA/ELTA.

Source:
http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/energy/?doc=43385