Moca adopts artificial intelligence to accelerate reconstruction efforts

Mayor of Moca Efraín Barreto

By THE STAR STAFF

The Municipality of Moca announced midweek the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and advanced technological solutions to strengthen the management, execution, and compliance of reconstruction projects funded with federal dollars in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma, María, and Fiona. The initiative marks a turning point in the municipality’s recovery process, said Efraín Barreto, mayor of Moca.

Through a strategy centered on organization, compliance, and modernization of workflows, Moca has made steady progress, reaching a current reconstruction portfolio of $51,769,004—an increase of more than $6 million. These funds are distributed across 101 projects in various areas of the municipality, including road infrastructure, public facilities, community improvements, and essential systems.

Mayor Barreto emphasized that the integration of technology responds to the need to transform how projects are managed and how federal funds are administered. “When we took office, we found a municipality with a recovery rate of 20.4%—practically paralyzed and among the lowest in Puerto Rico. Today, we can say with certainty that Moca is moving forward. The implementation of artificial intelligence and technological platforms will allow us to accelerate these processes and ensure that every project strictly complies with federal and state requirements.”

The adoption of these tools will enable more precise monitoring of project progress, improved coordination among municipal departments, and greater efficiency in collecting, validating, and organizing documentation required for audits and reimbursement requests before FEMA and COR3. The effort is particularly significant amid federal uncertainty, where changes in guidelines, review processes, and disbursement flows demand stronger planning, oversight, and internal controls.

“We are committed to restoring confidence among our residents and the private sector. This is not only about rebuilding—it’s about doing so with order, transparency, and long-term vision. This technology helps us minimize errors, reduce delays, and safeguard every dollar allocated to Moca’s recovery,” Barreto added.

The Municipality also acknowledged the challenges posed by failed bidding processes and limited participation from the contractor market, noting that this modernization aims to establish a more reliable and predictable environment for vendors and companies interested in working with Moca. “We want contractors to see Moca as an organized municipality with clear processes and the necessary support to execute projects. We are working to build trust and ensure that every project has a viable path to completion,” the mayor concluded.