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RCS 44

“Para ordenar al Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas, en colaboración con los municipios de Puerto Rico, identificar las carreteras y puentes localizados cerca de la línea de agua o dentro del alcance de la inundación por aumento del nivel del mar y desarrollar un plan de acción con el fin de que estas estructuras queden fuera del alcance de los efectos de inundación y erosión costera; y para establecer otras disposiciones complementarias.”

2025-2028 Session

Requires Puerto Rico's transportation department and municipalities to identify flood-vulnerable roads and bridges, then develop protective action plans against sea-level rise and coastal erosion.

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Bill Summary · RCS 44

Legislative bill overview

Bill RCS 44 directs Puerto Rico's Department of Transportation and Public Works to collaborate with municipalities to identify roads and bridges near sea level or within flood zones caused by rising sea levels, then develop an action plan to protect these structures from coastal flooding and erosion. The bill establishes complementary provisions to support this infrastructure adaptation effort.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico faces significant climate vulnerabilities due to rising sea levels and increased storm intensity, which directly threaten critical transportation infrastructure that communities depend on for emergency response, commerce, and daily mobility. Without proactive identification and protection of at-risk infrastructure, the island risks cascading economic and social disruptions when flooding damages roads and bridges, particularly in vulnerable coastal municipalities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and implementation costs: The bill mandates comprehensive planning but does not specify budget allocation or funding mechanisms, raising questions about who bears the financial burden for protecting or relocating infrastructure
  • Timeline and feasibility: Developing actionable plans across multiple municipalities with varying resources and priorities could prove administratively complex, and the bill does not establish clear timelines or accountability measures
  • Property rights and relocation: Protecting structures "out of reach" of flooding may require relocating roads or bridges, potentially affecting private property rights, existing land use patterns, and requiring costly acquisitions or easements

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

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