National Guard inaugurates new facilities in Gurabo
By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG) inaugurated on Wednesday its new facilities in Gurabo, dedicated to the memory of Pfc. Raúl Burgos Maldonado, a native of the central eastern municipality.
“This modern facility will help us prepare and train our soldiers to fulfill their federal mission and, in turn, provide effective help to our people in times of emergency, especially in the municipalities of the eastern part of the island,” PRNG Adjutant General José Reyes said in a written statement. “The building was built at a cost of over $16.7 million, covers more than 55,000 square feet of space and meets all current environmental energy design standards.”
The center houses the 190th Engineering Battalion Headquarters and other PRNG units, which are key pieces in the assistance and support process during times of crisis in Puerto Rico.
“The facilities that we inaugurated today have been part of the life and development of the municipality of Gurabo since the times of [colonial] Spain,” Reyes said. “This building recalls the deed of a son of this municipality who represents the great contribution of Gurabeños in defense of democracy and the freedom that we all enjoy.”
Gurabo Mayor Rosachely Rivera Santana recognized the importance of having adequate facilities in her town for the PRNG, an entity that plays an important role and provides vital assistance in crisis situations such as forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and waste tire collection, among others.