Some $30.6 million has been allotted for a permanent project to repair damage to the Urban Train’s heavy rail system.
By THE STAR STAFF
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón announced Thursday that Puerto Rico will receive a new federal economic injection of $30.9 million for the repair and conditioning of public transportation terminals and the acquisition of vehicles in Las Marías, Hormigueros and Ponce, as well as for the Urban Train.
The four appropriations come from the Federal Transit Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Emergency Relief Funds. González Colón, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, supports funding and programs that allow reconstruction in the face of unexpected damages and expenses caused by natural disasters or other emergencies.
The Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority will receive, on behalf of the Urban Train, $30.6 million for a permanent project to repair damage to the Urban Train’s heavy rail system. This project will include engineering and design services and the rehabilitation of fixed installations. The funds were awarded in response to the earthquake emergency declaration.
The Municipality of Hormigueros, meanwhile, will receive $396,000 to replace four vehicles damaged by natural disasters. The vehicles are used for community transportation services through the Julio Pérez Irizarry Multiple Activities and Services Center.
The Municipality of Las Marías will receive $312,419 for repairs to its public transportation terminal, which was damaged when Hurricane Isaias hit the island in July 2020.
The Municipality of Ponce will receive $150,937 for permanent repairs to the Carlos Garay Public Car Terminal and the Dora Colón Clavell Urban Park, facilities that were damaged by hurricanes Maria and Fiona.