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RC 173

Para ordenar al Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA), al Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP), a la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AAA), al Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres (NMEAD) y al Instituto de Hidrología y Ciencias Ambientales de Puerto Rico a realizar un estudio exhaustivo sobre las deficiencias en la canalización del Canal Concepción y la Quebrada Mendoza en el Municipio de Cabo Rojo, con el fin de desarrollar e implementar medidas correctivas para prevenir inundaciones recurrentes en la Comunidad Urbanización y Extensión La Concepción y otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill requires five Puerto Rico agencies to study drainage failures causing flooding in Cabo Rojo's La Concepción area and propose corrective measures; bill was withdrawn by author in March 2025.

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Bill Summary · RC 173

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 173 mandates five Puerto Rico government agencies (DRNA, DTOP, AAA, NMEAD, and the Institute of Hydrology and Environmental Sciences) to conduct a comprehensive study of drainage deficiencies in Canal Concepción and Quebrada Mendoza in Cabo Rojo municipality. The bill aims to identify and implement corrective measures to prevent recurring flooding in the Urbanización y Extensión La Concepción community and related areas.

Why is this important

Recurring flooding causes property damage, threatens public safety, disrupts economic activity, and reduces quality of life in affected communities. A coordinated inter-agency study could identify root causes of chronic drainage failures and produce actionable solutions, though implementation would require funding and political will beyond the study itself.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill does not specify who funds the study or subsequent infrastructure improvements, which could be substantial given Cabo Rojo's existing fiscal constraints
  • Agency coordination complexity: Requiring five separate agencies to coordinate may slow processes or produce conflicting recommendations without clear decision-making authority
  • Timeline and accountability: The bill provides no deadline for completing the study or implementing fixes, potentially allowing indefinite delays without consequences
  • Scope creep: The phrase "and other related purposes" is vague and could expand the study's burden beyond the two water channels specified

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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