Chapter 529

The problem was that this result also gave Shangjun County a big problem. Running a project at the State Planning Commission—how easy was that? And raising 50 percent of the funds themselves—that was even harder.

The construction cost of a Changjiangdaqiao was 400 to 500 million, and 50 percent of the funds was over 200 million. Currently, Shangjun County’s annual GDP was less than 700 million. Raising over 200 million in funds—wasn't that as difficult as ascending to heaven?

If it were just building a Changjiangdaqiao, perhaps they could ask the city for help. But Zhang Kaishan and Su Xinghui both knew that in this matter, it was impossible, because it related to the two site selection plans for the expressway.

If the first plan were adopted, the expressway would pass through Yushan District for 60 to 70 kilometers, while if the second plan were adopted, the expressway would pass through Pengjiawan Town in Shangjun County for about 30 kilometers, and pass through Yushan District for less than 10 kilometers. The difference between these two plans was too great.

In these two plans, Yulin City would only support the first plan. Moreover, over 200 million in funds was also a huge figure for Yulin City, and they couldn't just take it out. How could they fully support Shangjun County?

Seeing the expressions of the two, Lu Zhenghong said, "Are there difficulties?"

Zhang Kaishan said, "How could we possibly do such a requirement? Isn't this deliberately making things difficult for us?"

Lu Zhenghong said, "Comrade Kaishan, you cannot say that. Governor Tian also has his own considerations."

Su Xinghui said, "Uncle Lu, I think we can try to run it."

Lu Zhenghong looked at Su Xinghui with appreciative eyes and said, "Oh, what ideas do you have?"

Zhang Kaishan also looked at Su Xinghui, but his face was full of confusion.

Su Xinghui smiled, "Isn't it just going to the State Planning Commission to run the project? I think this project of ours is still very feasible. And it’s not just our Shangjun County; building this Changjiangdaqiao is also good for the entire Yulin City, and it is also good for Qingyang City. So, we can pull them together to run it."

Lu Zhenghong nodded, "This idea is not bad."

Su Xinghui said, "I think Uncle Lu and Secretary Gu won't watch us hit a wall, right? When necessary, we can also ask you for help."

Lu Zhenghong pointed his finger at Su Xinghui a few times and said, "Haha, you are still playing with our ideas!"

Su Xinghui said, "We are also doing this for the better development of Shangjun County and Hudong Province."

Lu Zhenghong laughed heartily, "Very well, the high-sounding words are sung well. Sometimes, it is necessary to sing high-sounding words."

Zhang Kaishan said, "Even if the project establishment is run down, how should the issue of over 200 million in funds be solved?"

Su Xinghui said, "I have some ideas now, but they are just ideas. I still need to run around and ask. Once there is a clue, I will report to you again."

Lu Zhenghong’s expression became serious. He said, "Comrade Kaishan, Xinghui, in short, this matter has become complicated now. If you want to get this done, you need to put in double the effort. However, good things take time. Once you truly get this done, your sense of achievement will be unparalleled, and the common people of Shangjun County will remember your names for a lifetime."

Zhang Kaishan nodded. He stood up and said, "Governor Lu, I understand. Then we will go back first. We will definitely do our best in this matter."

Lu Zhenghong stood up and personally sent Zhang Kaishan and Su Xinghui out. Li Shanlin, who was working in the outer room, saw Lu Zhenghong personally sending the two out, so he hurriedly stood up and followed behind, sending the two out with Lu Zhenghong. At the same time, he also secretly kept these two people in his heart.

On the way back to Shangjun County, Zhang Kaishan asked, "Xinghui, what exactly is your way to raise funds?"

It was no wonder Zhang Kaishan couldn't sit still. The amount of over 200 million in funds was too large, and this matter was of great importance. If the construction of the Changjiangdaqiao and the expressway fell through because the funds couldn't be raised, it would be a lifelong regret for him.

Su Xinghui also knew that if he didn't reveal some real bottom line to Zhang Kaishan, Zhang Kaishan probably wouldn't be able to eat or sleep well. He smiled and said to Zhang Kaishan, "Uncle Zhang, have you heard of the BOT model?"

"BOT model?" Zhang Kaishan asked suspiciously, "What kind of model is this? I haven't heard of it."

It was no wonder Zhang Kaishan was ill-informed. The BOT model was still a new thing in China, and currently, only some coastal cities were using the BOT model for infrastructure construction. As an inland official, it was understandable that Zhang Kaishan hadn't heard of this model.

Su Xinghui explained to Zhang Kaishan, "The BOT model is the Build-Operate-Transfer model, which is the abbreviation of these three words in English. The specific practice is to invite several private enterprises or investors to fund the construction of a large infrastructure project. After completion, according to the investment amount, let them hold shares and establish a management company for toll-based operation. After earning enough profit, let these investors transfer the infrastructure to government departments for free."

Zhang Kaishan said, "You mean let the investors pay for the construction of the Changjiangdaqiao, then let them establish a company to collect tolls, and after they earn back the principal and earn a certain profit, our county government will take back the bridge?"

Su Xinghui nodded, "That is the meaning."

Zhang Kaishan pondered for a long time and said, "Listening to you, this model has its merits. However, does this comply with the current economic policy?"

Su Xinghui smiled, "Now is the period of reform and opening up, so anything can be done by 'crossing the river by feeling the stones.' Moreover, this model has had precedents in several coastal cities, so it will not violate the policy."

Zhang Kaishan said, "However, who can we find to invest? This is over 200 million. The figure is too huge. There are not many enterprises that can take out so much money!"

Su Xinghui said, "We can find several enterprises, and our county government can also apply for loans from banks for financing. We should be able to borrow tens of millions. Don't forget, we have a large enterprise right here."

Zhang Kaishan knew who Su Xinghui was talking about as soon as he thought about it. He smiled, "Are you talking about the Hou Group?"

Su Xinghui gave a thumbs up, "Uncle Zhang is wise!"

Zhang Kaishan said, "What wisdom? You have explained it so clearly, if I still don't know, that would be too unreasonable. However, the Hou family has already invested ten million US dollars. Can they take out such a large investment? And are they willing to take it out? This is not something that can be recovered in a year or two."

Su Xinghui said, "I think they will be willing to take it out. The industries they are involved in in France already include the financial industry, so they have seen many such financing matters. This matter can both benefit the hometown and be profitable, so why wouldn't they do it? Old Mr. Hou once told me that he is willing to do things like building bridges and repairing roads for his hometown. This Changjiangdaqiao can make Shangjun County’s economy take off, so I believe the old man will agree."

Zhang Kaishan pondered for a long time again. He nodded, "Very well, then you go ahead and do it. As long as you can raise over 200 million in funds, I will do whatever it takes to keep this expressway in Shangjun County."

Arriving at Pengjiawan Town, Zhang Kaishan had Yan Xiangjie drive the car onto the road to Yulin City. He wanted to see Xiang Jitao and Municipal Party Secretary Shi Deyou. This matter could not be delayed any longer and had to be carried out as soon as possible.

Since his rebirth, this was Su Xinghui’s first time coming to Yulin City. Of course, in his previous life, he often came to Yulin City, so he was not unfamiliar with Yulin City.

The Yulin Municipal Party Committee was located in Liulin District, which was south of Yushan District. Although Yushan District ranked ahead of Shangjun County in GDP, its urban construction was not as good as Shangjun County’s, it just had more factories than Shangjun County.

The car arrived at Yushan District, and after driving south for seven or eight kilometers, it arrived at Liulin District. The Yulin Municipal Party Committee compound was located on a mountain in the southwest of Liulin District. This mountain was named Baiquan Mountain, and there were many hot springs on the mountain, hence the name. It could be said to be a blessed land of feng shui. The Yulin Municipal Party Committee compound was located here, and the Municipal Party Committee guest house was also here.

Su Xinghui smiled, "It’s really nice to live here, you can soak in hot springs every day."

Zhang Kaishan smiled, "If you want to soak, you can soak in the Municipal Party Committee guest house today. It is winter now, and it is the best time to soak in hot springs."

The two joked a few times, and Yan Xiangjie had already parked the car under the Municipal Party Committee building. Zhang Kaishan and Su Xinghui got out of the car and first came to Xiang Jitao’s office to seek an audience with Xiang Jitao.

Xiang Jitao was now the Minister of the Municipal Party Committee’s Propaganda Department and a member of the Municipal Standing Committee. At this time, he was looking at materials in his office. Seeing Zhang Kaishan and Su Xinghui arrive, he said with surprise, "Comrade Kaishan, Little Su, why are you here today?"

Zhang Kaishan said, "We came to visit our old leader!"

Xiang Jitao said, "Sit down quickly."

He prepared to brew tea for the two, but Su Xinghui was quick-handed and grabbed the cup, brewed two cups of tea himself, and refilled Xiang Jitao’s cup before sitting down.

Xiang Jitao asked happily, "Tell me, did you come to find me because of something? Comrade Kaishan, I know your character; if it weren't for something, you wouldn't have come to see me specifically."

Zhang Kaishan said, "Still can't hide it from you. It’s like this: I went to the province with Xinghui today to see Governor Lu..."

Zhang Kaishan told Xiang Jitao about going to the province to see Lu Zhenghong today. As soon as Xiang Jitao heard that the matter of Shangjun County building the Changjiangdaqiao and expressway had risen in waves, his brows also deeply furrowed.

Although Xiang Jitao had been transferred to the Municipal Party Committee, he was once the Secretary of the Shangjun County Party Committee and had deep feelings for Shangjun County. Hearing this, he was naturally worried.