PRess releases

As part of Governor Jenniffer González Colón's public policy to accelerate recovery and promote the revitalization of municipalities, First Gentleman Dr. José Yovín Vargas Llavona, along with the Secretary of the Department of Housing, Luis Augusto Martínez Román, Esq., inaugurated the improvements to the Municipal Parking Garage in the Traditional Urban Center of Naguabo, a project with a total investment of $2,602,673.99. Vargas Llavona and Martínez Román were accompanied by the Mayor of Naguabo, Miraidaliz Rosario Pagán, and the Undersecretary of Recovery, Carlos Olmedo Álvarez, Esq. The improvements included work on the concrete surfaces, roof, vehicular and pedestrian access points, offices, and restrooms, as well as the renovation of the lighting system and the addition of accessible spaces and ramps.

The project was developed under the City Revitalization Program, with an investment of $2.3 million from CDBG-DR funds and nearly $300,000 from other sources, including FEMA funds. The project primarily benefits some 7,167 people in the city center, approximately 80% of whom are low- and moderate-income residents.

“Our administration’s vision is for the recovery to reach every corner of Puerto Rico and for public investments to have a purpose for our people. These projects strengthen our communities, support businesses, and create safer and more accessible spaces. It is important to be present in the municipalities and support efforts that improve the quality of life for our people,” said the First Knight.

The Secretary, for his part, emphasized the importance of the recovery process translating into projects with a direct impact on the communities. “Governor Jenniffer González Colón has established a clear public policy to ensure that recovery funds are used for completed projects that address the needs of our people. In Naguabo, we are seeing the results of that vision with projects that strengthen the urban center, support economic activity, and improve the spaces used daily by residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Martínez Román.

As part of the visit, officials also toured the rehabilitation projects at the Market Square, the Public Square, and the Naguabo Public Library, which together represent more than $9.5 million in estimated or awarded costs. The projects include improvements to commercial and public spaces, lighting, electrical systems, accessibility, parking, and service areas, as well as the creation of a computer lab at the Library.

“The recovery isn’t limited to completing individual projects. These investments, taken together, drive the revitalization of urban centers and create better conditions for the development of municipalities. That is the governor’s mandate and the work we continue to carry out together with the municipal governments,” Olmedo Álvarez stated.

With the completion of the parking lot and the progress of the other projects, the Housing Ministry continues to transform recovery funds into concrete projects that strengthen municipalities, support economic activity, and provide communities with renewed, safe, and accessible spaces.