House lawmaker seeks probe into channelization project

Rep. Ricardo Rey Ocasio Ramos

By THE STAR STAFF

San Juan District 2 Rep. Ricardo Rey Ocasio Ramos announced Monday the filing of a planned probe into the proposed Piedras River channelization project.

“Regardless of the project’s feasibility, what is concerning is the lack of a communication and participation process that addresses residents’ concerns,” Ocasio Ramos said. “A project of this magnitude requires transparent spaces for exchanging information, evaluating alternatives, and addressing the worries of those directly affected.”

The House measure aims to address the concerns of communities such as Villa Nevárez, Reparto Metropolitano, Jardines Metropolitanos and University Gardens in San Juan. Residents, many of whom are senior citizens, have reported a lack of clear and consistent information about the scope of the project, which is being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“These residents have lived in these areas for decades and deserve access to accurate information regarding any project that impacts their safety, health, and quality of life,” the legislator said. “Their concerns are valid and diverse, and what is needed is an inclusive and transparent forum that allows citizens to participate in decisions affecting their environment. I visited these communities with Mayor Miguel Romero and heard from several concerned residents.”

Numerous environmental and community organizations, including the Alliance for the Piedras River Basin, have cautioned that the project’s technical studies date back to the 1980s and have not been updated with current economic or hydrological data. They warn that channeling over 17 kilometers of concrete could adversely affect local flora, fauna, and ecosystem services, as well as exacerbate urban heat in San Juan.

The resolution requires both committees to submit a report to the House of Representatives with their findings, conclusions, and recommendations within 180 days of its approval.

“This issue is not just technical; it is a human issue,” Ocasio Ramos said. “The residents of District 2, particularly our seniors, deserve to be heard and included in this process. Channeling the Piedras River can significantly alter the lives of these communities, and the least we can do is ensure they receive clear information and the opportunity to participate.”