$25 million in federal funds approved for Puerto Nuevo pier upgrade
By The Star Staff
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation approved the allocation of $25 million in federal funds requested by the Ports Authority for improvements to Pier C, which is part of the container terminal facilities in Puerto Nuevo.
“It is essential that we have our ports in optimal condition,” González Colón said in a written statement. “That is why I am pleased to announce that $25 million was approved for Ports that we made available in Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and for whose access I obtained language so that the territories were treated fairly in the requests.”
“The federal government is betting on initiatives to modernize and reinforce infrastructure throughout the nation. This is essential for us in Puerto Rico after damage caused by natural events,” the resident commissioner noted. “In addition, due to our status as an island and dependence on imports, it is essential that we have our ports in optimal condition. For this reason, in Congress we supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, where these funds come from …”
The project will include the following improvements to Pier C: (1) replace the concrete deck with a new one that will allow operating loads of up to 600 pounds per square foot (psf); (2) rehabilitate existing asphalt and install new fence posts and fencing for the preferential loading and tenant areas; (3) install new underground electrical retrofit and LED lighting systems; (4) rehab an existing fire protection system; (5) build a storm sewer system; and (6) rehabilitate existing water distribution systems.