JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District will host its Regulatory Division Open House Thurs., August 7 at the San Juan Marriott, 1309 Ashford Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Doors open at 8 a.m. and a series of presentations begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“It has been four years since our last open house in Puerto Rico, which was very well attended,” said Donnie Kinard, chief of the Regulatory Division. “We are looking forward to sharing new information to make the permit process more efficient. Of equal importance, we are looking forward to meeting with as many community members as possible, to hear about their concerns and determine how we can best serve them.”
The theme for the 2014 Open House series is “Strategies for Success,” focusing on the latest information concerning mitigation, endangered species, indirect effects and alternatives analysis. A presentation will also be included relative to specific issues in each host city. Six events have previously been completed throughout Florida.
“Jacksonville District’s regulatory program is the largest in the nation,” explained Kinard. “In the past, our outreach initiatives such as the Open House have helped us to better inform current and potential permit applicants, consultants and stakeholders. As a result, we receive more thorough and accurate permit applications, have more productive pre-application meetings and reach better decisions that achieve our goal of balancing development needs with protecting the aquatic environment.”
One remaining Open House is scheduled for St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Sept. 3. Further details are available at www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jacksonvilledistrict and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong. Corps representatives will also interact with the public on Twitter during each event, using #UOH14.
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Release no. 14-042