Public Works Projects
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Objective: Nation-wide public works projects to provide jobs and build critical infrastructure
A nation-wide public works initiative will create local jobs and build the critical infrastructure that Puerto Rico (PR) needs to improve the quality of life of citizens and prepare communities for climate change.
Examples of public works projects include:
Bridge and road repairs
Installing renewable energy microgrids to provide clean and reliable energy
Boosting local sustainable agriculture
The existing 500-acre law would be properly enforced to ensure that no private entity owns more than 500 acres of land in PR. Excess land would be redistributed to local community farms for sustainable agriculture
Responsible repurposing of abandoned property
If abandoned property is within a 5 kilometer drive of a municipality's urban center/barrio-pueblo, it would be reclaimed and renovated to provide affordable housing to citizens
If abandoned property is more than a 5 kilometer drive away from a municipality's urban center/barrio-pueblo, the property would be demolished and converted into a sustainable community farm or reforested, depending on the site
This approach to repurposing abandoned properties would encourage responsible development and help minimize urban sprawl
Household rainwater capture and storage systems to build resilience against drought
Septic tank repairs and upgrades, to combat groundwater and river contamination
Green infrastructure for flood control, reforestation, wildlife corridors, river cleanup and coastal erosion control
The first phase of a nation-wide rail network (e.g. connecting San Juan and Caguas by railroad)
The construction of publicly-owned hotels and hostels and/or renovation of historic buildings
In order to effectively boost the local economy, example regulations include requiring that at least 75% of all public works funding must be contracted to PR-based and owned firms, and that at least 90% of all jobs must be given to the local PR workforce.