By The Star Staff
San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo announced Monday that he has completed the obligation of all the resources allocated by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The funds have been essential to address the needs of the communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have been used in key initiatives that meet the categories allowed by ARPA, the mayor said in a statement.
“The correct administration of these funds has allowed us to significantly improve the quality of life of our most vulnerable citizens,” Romero Lugo said. “We have invested in essential areas such as housing, infrastructure, public safety, sports, and recreational facilities, as well as in social development projects, such as care for people affected by gender violence, the delivery of solar batteries to vulnerable people, housekeeping services for older people, the purchase of ambulances and an educational platform. All of this has been done ensuring direct benefits for our community so that every dollar is used effectively and transparently.”
ARPA allocated $350 billion to local governments through the CSLFRF. The Municipality of San Juan received a total allocation of $237,708,158. ARPA requires that all funds be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024 and expended in full on or before Dec. 31, 2026.
The projects funded with ARPA resources are as follows:
1. Your Streets Up to Date -- $75 million -- Road infrastructure project for the reconstruction and repaving of streets, avenues and municipal roads. The investment improves access to employment centers and businesses in the Capital City, boosting the economic recovery of communities.
2. Public Safety -- $63.5 million -- Initiatives to recruit and hire police officers, reinforcing security in San Juan. Includes the Community Security and Surveillance Program, which strengthens the protection of Capital City residents. In addition, significant investments have been made in modernizing Municipal Police equipment, achieving the acquisition of new patrol cars, motorcycles, bodycams and bulletproof vests.
3. Social Welfare -- $18.8 million -- Resources in this area were allocated to:
* Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline Program (939-CONTIGO): Confidential assistance that offers psychological first aid, crisis intervention and legal guidance, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
* Rechargeable Portable Battery Program: Alternative energy source to minimize the impact of the lack of electricity on the health and safety of patients who depend on essential medical equipment.
* Housekeeping Program: Services for low- or moderate-income households with elderly or disabled people who face limitations in their daily lives and require external assistance.
4. Sports and Recreational Facilities -- Investments in significant improvements that promote healthy environments and improve individuals’ and families’ physical and emotional well-being, such as Caparra Heights Park, Barbosa Park, Josefa Fontán Park, Central Park and Adolfo Dones.
“These projects are not just a fulfillment of financial goals; they represent our vision of what it means to serve our community,” Romero Lugo said. “Each initiative funded by these resources reflects our commitment to a more just, safe and future-ready San Juan. We will continue to work tirelessly to raise the quality of life of our residents, always with the transparency and responsibility that characterizes us.”
Comments