Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

The meeting commenced with introductions. Key discussion points included a review of the ratification of contracts approved by referendum between March 19, 2022, and July 31, 2022. The Board also addressed the ratification of the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget and the new organizational chart. The Executive Director provided a comprehensive administrative report detailing federal fund obligations and disbursements for Federal fiscal years 2021 and the current year, noting significant investment figures in projects related to paving, lighting, and bridge replacements. Active projects across Puerto Rico, totaling approximately $642.5 million, were reviewed. Furthermore, discussions covered upcoming auctions, including major projects like the connector between Highway 119 and Highway 49, and repair costs associated with landslides. The presentation also detailed the Capital Improvement Program for the next five years, breaking down planned investments for pavement and safety funds. The Board also reviewed the submission of plans for the National Electric Vehicle Network, detailing the allocated formula funds of $10 million over five years and the pursuit of discretionary funds.

The session was established as the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Transportation Authority. The primary focus of the discussion involved verifying the quorum in accordance with Law 74 of 1965 and Corporate Resolution 2014. The quorum determination, based on the attendance of ex officio members (including the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, President of the Puerto Rico Planning Board, Secretary of the Treasury, and Executive Director of the Financial Advisory and Fiscal Agency Area), resulted in the official declaration that the legally required quorum for conducting business was not met. The appearance of the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority was acknowledged prior to the adjournment due to the lack of quorum.

The document is the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Aguadilla Urbanized Area for fiscal years 2023-2026, prepared by the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority. This program outlines proposed improvements to the transportation and highway system, identifying projects for federal funding. Key areas of focus include enhancing highway infrastructure (bridges, pavements, safety improvements, electric vehicle infrastructure), supporting public transit programs (urbanized area formula grants, enhanced mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, bus and bus facilities grants), and providing for emergency relief. The plan prioritizes projects consistent with federal regulations such as the FAST Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aiming to improve overall safety, mobility, and the state of good repair of transportation assets within the region.

This document, Amendment #4 to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), outlines proposed improvements to the transportation and highway system within the Urbanized Area Under 200,000 in Population (UZA) in Puerto Rico for Fiscal Years 2023-2026. It details projects recommended for federal funding, emphasizing a multimodal, financially constrained approach in accordance with the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Key focus areas include general transportation priorities such as regional projects, public transportation, and facility improvements, as well as specific federal programs addressing bridge infrastructure, electric vehicle charging, vulnerable road user safety, pavement rehabilitation, and intelligent transportation systems. The plan aims to enhance mobility, ensure the system's state of good repair, and improve overall safety and efficiency.

The meeting involved an extensive discussion regarding federal and other funds, including obligations and disbursements as of March 2022. Key financial topics included carryovers, obligation rates post-Hurricane Maria, and the status of IR funds. Specific project discussions covered the cable-stayed bridge project amendment requiring investment to repair the slab, cables, and lighting, and updates on various recovery program projects affected by delays, such as those in Las Marías and Rincón. Furthermore, the presentation detailed efforts to reduce inactive projects and meet national benchmarks, strategies for advancing mandated repair projects like those on PR-52, and significant concerns regarding the fiscal plan submitted to the Fiscal Control Board. The board addressed the Board's proposed investment scenario versus the lower amount approved by the Fiscal Control Board, which complicates compliance with the Transportation Management Plan for 2028. Finally, there was discussion about a proposed Transportation sector reform involving the transfer of transit assets to PRITA and potential strategies for securing state funds to secure federal matching grants for highway improvements.