San Juan, Puerto Rico -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Jacksonville District announces the opening of public comment for the Continuing Authorities Program Section 14 project in Parcela Suarez, Loíza,Puerto Rico.
Public comments regarding the 2019 preferred alternative will be accepted through August 14, 2019.
At the request of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, USACE conducted a study along a portion of the shoreline of Loíza. The shoreline located in the study area is approximately 1,050 feet in length, and it is severely eroded. Chronic erosion has already impacted and continues to threaten public infrastructure and facilities.
The Corps previously assessed the effects of the 2018 Recommended Plan in the Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment, dated April 2018. Based on changed site conditions, the Recommended Plan has been updated to develop the 2019 Preferred Alternative which consist of, the construction of a continuous rock revetment along approximately 1,050 feet of shoreline in front of the public road, head start public school, and community center.
The Corps met Wednesday with residents of the Parcela Suarez community and Loiza’s Mayor Julia M. Nazario Fuentes, to provide details as well as answer questions on the preferred alternative chosen.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with the community this week. This project is very important for the Corps of Engineers and for the Jacksonville district. I want you to know that we have done everything possible to advance this project,” said Project Manager Sheila Hint. ”It is essential for us to listen to the community and continue analyzing all the questions and comments, to ensure that we are considering all the angles within the limitations we have, such as the authorities and the funding."
The revised draft and additional documents are available at: www.saj.usace.army.mil/Loiza-Cap14
Those interested in submitting comments may do so electronically at Sheila.E.Hint@usace.army.mil
Written comments can be mailed to:
Sheila E. Hint
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019
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