By The Star Staff
With an investment of $46.4 million, the Public Buildings Authority (AEP by its Spanish initials) has initiated a priority project for the remodeling of eight Puerto Rico Police Bureau barracks and the rehabilitation of another 77.
“Improving the facilities of the barracks where our police officers work and offering them an adequate and safe work environment is one of the priority projects that the AEP is working on,” AEP Executive Director Yamil Ayala Cruz said Tuesday in a press release.
Ayala Cruz and Public Safety (DSP) Secretary Alexis Torres on Tuesday visited the Juan Domingo barracks in Guaynabo, which is one of those that will be remodeled.
“Fulfilling the commitment we announce today, together with the Public Buildings Authority, the beginning of the restructuring of barracks, a project that is imperative for all police officers to carry out their work in a safe environment,” the DSP secretary said. “Since I arrived at the Department of Public Safety, the remodeling of the barracks has been a priority in my work plan, and I thank the governor for designating funds and welcoming this project as a priority.”
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia allocated $20 million in American Recovery Plan Act funds for the remodeling of the eight barracks. With the investment, barracks in Cabo Rojo, San Lorenzo, Loíza, Guaynabo (Juan Domingo), Aibonito, Humacao (Comandancia), Comerío and Puerta de Tierra (San Agustín) will be remodeled.
“The work that will be carried out in these barracks consists of a total modernization that will impact these structures both inside and outside,” Ayala Cruz said. “The work includes the mitigation and removal of regulated materials, changes of facades, replacement of doors and windows, and repair or replacement of electrical generators, security cameras, lighting and drinking water cisterns, among many other things.”