The new, long-awaited, and arduous step forward in the incredible story of the former military arsenal, site of the 2009 G8 summit that never took place in La Maddalena.

Mayor Fabio Lai announced the news this morning: "Construction has begun," he wrote, referring to the project that will finally clean up the sea in front of the facility. "We hope," the mayor added, "that this will put an end to the long-standing dispute over the cleanup, which for years has stalled shipbuilding development and beyond in the city. A seemingly endless story, with various special commissioners appointed, the island has repeatedly come closer to a solution, but never quite managed to finalize the process. Technical problems have been compounded by legal issues that have threatened to put the Arsenale project on hold."

Mayor Lai therefore recognizes the "great determination" of Sardinia's governor, Alessandra Todde, who visited the facility during her election campaign, committing and promising, if elected, to resolve the long-standing problem. "Without her support, her work, and her strong political will, we would not have taken this step forward," Mayor Lai stated.