House leaders move to jump‑start rehabilitation of Dorado’s Manuel ‘Nolo’ Morales Beach
By THE STAR STAFF
House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez and District 11 Rep. Elinette González Aguayo announced plans Monday to establish a formal path toward rehabilitating the Manuel “Nolo” Morales public beach in Dorado, one of the northern coast’s most visited recreational areas.
The lawmakers said the effort will focus on restoring and upgrading key facilities at the site, while also addressing coastal erosion and evaluating a collaborative agreement to rebuild the perimeter fence.
González, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, emphasized the beach’s economic importance for Dorado, Vega Alta and Vega Baja.
“The Manuel ‘Nolo’ Morales beach is essential to the economic development of Dorado and the rest of District 11,” Méndez said, noting that the two legislators will visit the site on Friday to assess its condition and identify immediate needs. “Our goal is to support its rehabilitation so it becomes a stronger tourist attraction and a generator of micro‑enterprise.”
Planned improvements include repairs to the parking area, remodeling of restrooms and administrative offices, construction of a new entrance booth, and expanded cleaning and maintenance of green areas.
“We want to restore the Dorado beach facilities, one of the most visited tourist destinations on Puerto Rico’s northern coast,” González said.
She added that the House intends to support additional upgrades, including a new security fence and further improvements to the parking area.
“I appreciate the Speaker’s willingness to support this initiative, which has great potential,” the legislator said.
The visit forms part of Méndez’s “100 x 35” community impact project, which aims to foster direct dialogue with residents across Puerto Rico to identify viable solutions to local challenges.
González has already met with Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez to follow up on plans to rehabilitate the beach grounds, located along PR‑697 in the Costa de Oro sector.
She said the House will continue working with the DNER and other agencies, including the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, to ensure Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach reaches its full potential as a hub for tourism and commercial activity in the northern region.
