Long-Awaited Pompeii Preservation Plan Unveiled

A series of structural collapses at the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy over the past 18 months have concerned historians, the public, and government officials. With a contribution of $137 million from the European Commission, Italian officials are moving forward with "The Great Pompeii Project", a plan to restore and conserve the archaeological site.

As Povoledo reports, crucial to the plan, which officials hope will help stimulate the economy in the economically depressed area around Naples, are measures "intended to ensure that the funds reached their destination," and are not siphoned by the Camorra, the Neapolitan organized crime network.

"Italy's southern regions have had a hard time shaking off a widely held reputation of corruption and misspending of public funds that has mired it in negative economic growth for years. Concerns that the Camorra could infiltrate the companies that win the bids for the public works at Pompeii led to the establishment of protocol announced Thursday," writes Povoledo.