Major investments in São Roque Port, Pico Airport, healthcare facilities, and road infrastructure place the island fourth among the nine Azores islands in proposed public funding.
The island of Pico is expected to receive €71.5 million in public investment in 2027, according to the preliminary proposals for the Azores Regional Annual Plan and Budget. The funding will prioritize maritime and air transportation, healthcare, road improvements, and social services, reflecting the importance of infrastructure development to the island’s economic future and quality of life.
The proposed investment places Pico fourth among the nine islands in regional funding allocations, behind São Miguel (€379.5 million), Terceira (€195.6 million), and Faial (€75.3 million).
The overall 2027 Regional Plan, the first following the completion of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), proposes €1.057 billion in public investment throughout the Azores. Of that amount, €650 million would be implemented directly by the Regional Government, with another €407 million executed through other public entities or European funding mechanisms.
Maritime infrastructure represents one of Pico’s largest investment priorities. The plan allocates €23.7 million to the Port of São Roque, including coastal protection and improvements to the Cais do Pico waterfront and bay. The project forms part of a wider regional effort to modernize port infrastructure and strengthen maritime transportation.
Additional agreements with the Municipality of São Roque are planned to rehabilitate roads along the Cais do Pico waterfront.
Air transportation will also receive significant funding. Approximately €3.3 million is allocated to advancing the proposed extension of Pico Airport’s runway, a project still under study that aims to improve operational capacity and safety. The initiative also includes replacing the airport’s lighting system.
Another €1.8 million is proposed for a new airport firefighting vehicle, an ambulift to assist passengers with reduced mobility, and a new radio beacon.
The Regional Government also intends to introduce a new Public Service Obligation air transportation contract, adapting services to the needs of individual islands. Funding will continue for the Tarifa Açores and Passe Açores 9 Ilhas programs, designed to support mobility throughout the archipelago.
Healthcare is another priority. The proposal includes €1.5 million for the new Lajes do Pico Health Center, covering detailed project development and the launch of the construction tender.
In São Roque, €1 million is allocated to begin rehabilitating the existing health center. The complete project is valued at €6.5 million and is intended to improve patient care, increase operational efficiency, and reduce maintenance and operating costs.
The fishing sector will benefit from €400,000 for rehabilitation and improved coastal protection at the Port of Ribeiras, along with €60,000 to upgrade lighting at the fishing facilities in the Port of Lajes.
Road infrastructure also features in the proposal, with €700,000 earmarked for rural and forest roads, €300,000 for regional road resurfacing and associated safety improvements, and €200,000 for road markings and signage.
Social investments include €1.5 million for a new day center in São Roque, developed through the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, and €250,000 toward an Activities and Inclusion Support Center in Madalena.
In Piedade, €50,000 is proposed for preliminary studies and architectural and engineering plans for a decentralized facility of the Arco-Íris childcare center.
The plan also provides for agricultural initiatives focused on plant health, crop protection, and the genetic selection of traditional Azorean grape varieties. These measures are particularly relevant to Pico, where viticulture represents an important element of the island’s agricultural economy and cultural heritage.
The preliminary investment proposals are scheduled for review by Pico’s Island Council on October 20, before proceeding through the regional planning and budget approval process.
Although the allocations are not yet finalized commitments, they highlight key priorities for the island’s development, particularly maritime infrastructure, airport accessibility, and healthcare services.
For an island whose economic opportunities and daily life depend heavily on reliable transportation and essential public services, the proposed investments carry considerable importance.
The challenge for 2027 will be to turn these planned allocations into completed improvements that strengthen Pico’s economy, support its communities, and reduce the disadvantages of island geography.
Based on a story in Ilha Maior, a newspaper from Pico Island, written by Manuel Tomás. The photo is also from Ilha Maior.