Loiza Shoreline Scheme on the Table

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Jacksonville District has announced the opening of public comment for the Continuing Authorities Program Section 14 project in Parcela Suarez, Loiza,Puerto Rico.

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 Loiza.

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, said USACE.

USACE 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.

USACE met earlier this week 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.

Public comments regarding the 2019 preferred alternative will be accepted through August 14, 2019.