Millions of dollars in projects could be coming to the Caribbean if funding requests made by Puerto Rico’s and the Virgin Islands’ delegates to the U.S. Congress are approved.
The requests are among hundreds made by members of the U.S. House of Representatives through “community project funding” – formally known as “earmarks” – money for so-called “pet projects” lawmakers stump for in Washington to send back to their districts.
These requests are now known in Washington as community project funding, a new title for the controversial “earmarks” that were banned about a decade ago after the program proved to be full of waste and abuse. House Democrats have brought the program back with stricter oversight measures.
Among the changes: Lawmakers will receive up to 10 earmarks requests; all earmarks account for no more than one percent of the federal budget; lawmakers cannot profit from the projects; and a new online portal will allow taxpayers to track where the money is going.
Republicans have long criticized the program for funding bloated pork-barrel projects that don’t affect the country as a whole. However, numerous GOP members have submitted requests this year.
Historically, earmarks have been slated for infrastructure projects. The return of these home-state line item projects comes as President Joe Biden is promoting his combined $4 trillion infrastructure project. Many of these new requests from our local lawmakers are for infrastructure projects, as well.
Here is the list of projects requested by Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR):
Project Title: Purchase of law enforcement equipment and technology for the Utuado Municipal Police
Proposed Recipient: Municipality of Utuado
Recipient Address: Calle Betances #27, Apartado 190, Utuado, PR 00641
Amount Requested: $115,033
Explanation: This project would provide financial assistance to the Municipality of Utuado to purchase security, technological, and administrative equipment for its municipal police force. This represents an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because these additional tools would enable municipal police officers in Utuado to carry out their law enforcement responsibilities in a more effective manner, in turn enhancing their capabilities to fight and investigate illicit activities, improve public safety, and protect the municipality’s citizens from crime and other related risks.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Rehabilitation of facilities at Bosque Forestal (Patillas Forest Recreation Area) in the Real neighborhood of Patillas, Puerto Rico
Proposed Recipient: Municipality of Patillas
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 698, Patillas, PR 00723
Amount Requested: $112,000
Explanation: This project seeks to promote tourism and economic development in Patillas through the improvement of facilities at Bosque Forestal, a forest recreation area in the municipality’s Real neighborhood. Financial assistance would enable the Municipality to acquire, build, and rehabilitate assets such as gazebos, kiosks, small bridges, grills, bathrooms, lighting posts, sinks, showers, and parking space. Besides its economic benefits and potential to increase tourism in Patillas, the project is also an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it would enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for the local community.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Early Childhood Intensive Behavioral Intervention Program
Proposed Recipient: Sociedad de Educación y Rehabilitación (SER) de Puerto Rico, Inc.
Recipient Address: 500 Baez St Urbanizacion Perez Morris San Juan, PR 00917-5020
Amount Requested: $180,000
Explanation: The Early Childhood Intensive Behavioral Intervention Program would support the comprehensive development of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Puerto Rico from the ages of 18 months to 6 years, based on principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis. The main objective is to positively impact the development of children with ASD and stimulate learning and adaptive behaviors, allowing them an easier integration into different environments. The program also seeks to achieve socially significant changes in the behavior of children diagnosed with ASD, will assist in training caregivers and will yield valuable data related to ASD in Puerto Rico.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Center for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
Proposed Recipient: Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas Campus
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 51, Barraquitas, Puerto Rico 00794
Amount Requested: $941,975
Explanation: The Center for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture is designed to expand the laboratory capabilities of the current Institute for Sustainable Biotechnology (ISBiot) located in the Barranquitas Campus of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. The Center will maximize the agricultural resilience of the mountainous region of Puerto Rico, reduce food insecurity, and promote economic progress by developing in vitro seeds to be used by local farmers and researchers which will increase the volume and value of agricultural production; increase rural incomes and employment; and enhance the competitiveness of the rural economies of Barranquitas and the central region of Puerto Rico.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Rehabilitation of San Lorenzo Community Facility of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico
Proposed Recipient: Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico
Recipient Address: 501 Avenida R.H. Todd, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
Amount Requested: $870,000
Explanation: The Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico has operated a club site in the Municipality of San Lorenzo for 13 years and serves five municipalities: San Lorenzo, Juncos, Gurabo, Caguas and Las Piedras, which are considered low-income areas. The original San Lorenzo Boys and Girls club house or site was destroyed by Hurricane Maria. The Club was later able to acquire an unused public school in this municipality to be their new community facility, however, the site requires repairs to make it suitable to serve students, residents, and their employees. This request would provide $870,000 to finance these repairs, which include connecting the 4 buildings in the school complex via internal renovations, expand the entrance area with security improvements, resurface and reconfigure the courtyard between the buildings, and complete safety and sustainability repairs to the building infrastructure and systems. The usable space would be expanded from 7,700 square feet to 12,000 square feet.
Click here for certification letter
Project Title: Lajas Municipality Solid Waste Facility Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Proposed Recipient: Municipality of Lajas
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 910 Lajas, PR 00667-0910
Amount Requested: $247,000
Explanation: This project seeks to build stormwater infrastructure in the only public landfill at the Municipality of Lajas, Puerto Rico. The landfill serves constituents in the municipalities of Lajas, Cabo Rojo, San Germán, Hormigueros, Guanica, Sabana Grande and Yauco, all of which are low-income areas. The landfill is currently at capacity and the municipality is working to close cells that are filled and build new ones. The stormwater plan would complement this work and ensure the municipality can properly maintain the landfill itself, and comply with regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency. If constructed, the plan will extend the use of this landfill by 25 years and protect constituents from environmental hazards.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Construction of a new well and other improvements for the community water system in Barrio Rubias (Rubias Ward) in Yauco, Puerto Rico
Proposed Recipient: Municipality of Yauco
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 1, Yauco, PR 00698
Amount Requested: $300,000
Explanation: This project would fund the construction of a new well and the installation of the control system of the pumping station in Barrio Rubias (Rubias Ward), a low-income, rural community in Yauco that has historically lacked reliable water service. The requested funding would also be used to convert the community water system into one that is energetically sustainable through the installation of photovoltaic cells, batteries, and an electric generator to ensure its operation in cases of emergencies and natural disasters.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Rehabilitation of the Jarealito Fishing Village (Villa Pesquera de Jarealito) in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Proposed Recipient: Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 10163, San Juan, PR 00908-1163
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation: The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate and address some of the infrastructure needs of the fishing village located in the Jarealito community of Barrio Islote (Islote Ward) in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Specifically, it would fund the design and construction of a new concrete building at the site, as well as improvements of the electrical systems and utilities. Funding would also cover the purchase of equipment for cleaning, processing, packaging, handling, and refrigeration of the product, thus ensuring the fishing village complies with appropriate food safety standards. Lastly, the project would enable the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico to acquire technological equipment to support fishing activities at the site, which are one of the main economic drivers of nearby low-income, coastal communities.
Click here for certification letter.
Project Title: Construction of the Eco-Agro Tourism and Historical Park in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico
Proposed Recipient: Municipality of Vega Alta
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 1390, Vega Alta, PR 00692
Amount Requested: $300,000
Explanation: The purpose of this project is to fund the construction of an agritourism complex in Barrio Bajura (Bajura Ward) in Vega Alta that showcases the history of sugarcane in the municipality. The complex would rehabilitate the grounds and recreate the old Carmen Sugar Mill that used to operate in Barrio Bajura; have an area where visitors can learn more about local crops and agricultural products; and have a passive park for children with a playground and other attractions. With the requested amount, the Municipality of Vega Alta also intends to fund the reforestation of the area where the complex will be located.
Click here for certification letter.
Here is the list of requests by Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.):
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA/Department of Agriculture/Community Facilities Grants
Project Name: Gallows Bay Marine Enforcement Pier
Project Location: Parcel No. 1&2, East Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Recipient Address: 4607 Tutu Park Mall, Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) to reconstruct a dock at Gallows Bay on St. Croix for marine enforcement vessels on the island. A dock once existed for the enforcement vessels; however, it was destroyed in 1995 following the passage of Hurricane Marilyn and was never reconstructed. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because it is essential that marine enforcement is established in the Virgin Islands, and this dock for marine enforcement vessels would support local marine enforcement and adequate regulation of vessels coming into the territory.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA/Department of Agriculture/Community Facilities Grants
Project Name: Gustave Quetel Fish Market Renovation
Project Location: Gustave Quetel Fish Market, Remainder 23 Estate Honduras, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Recipient Address: 4607 Tutu Park Mall, Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources to renovate the Gustave Quetel Fish House on St. Thomas. Over the years, the facility has received maintenance, but has not undergone capital improvement in over two decades. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because renovation of the facility would allow for structural enhancements to improve regulation of the water at the facility, as well as make the facility better equipped to dispose of organic waste generated at the facility.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA/Department of Agriculture/Community Facilities Grants
Project Name: Krum Bay Marine Enforcement Pier
Project Location: Krum Bay, “Part of Section 3 of Tract 4”, Estate Sub Base, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Recipient Address: 4607 Tutu Park Mall, Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) for needed repairs to the Krum Bay Marine Enforcement Pier. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because the pier is in a state of major disrepair and the safety of enforcement vessels could be compromised if it is not fixed. With the increase in vessels, it is essential that DPNR increase its enforcement operations to ensure compliance with the laws of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA/Department of Agriculture/Community Facilities Grants
Project Name: New St. John Fish Market
Project Location: “Little Cruz Bay Dock Site”, Cruz Bay Creek, St. John, VI 00830
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Recipient Address: 4607 Tutu Park Mall, Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources to construct a new fish market facility in the Cruz Bay area of St. John. Currently, there is no fish market facility to service the island of St. John, and the sale of fish is scattered and unregulated on the island. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because it will provide for a safe and healthy environment on the island where fish can be sold, where the department can conduct port sampling and where access to the shore can be provided for recreational and commercial vessels to launch.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA/Department of Agriculture/Community Facilities Grants
Project Name: New St. Thomas Fish Market
Project Location: 24-1 Estate, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Recipient Address: 4607 Tutu Park Mall, Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by DPNR to construct a new fish market facility to accommodate 20-25 fishermen to sell their catch. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because it will provide a clean, safe point of sale for dozens of fishermen who are currently without one and must resort to selling their catch at various roadside points.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Commerce-Justice-Science/U.S. Department of Justice/State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance – Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG)
Project Name: Modular Medical Examiner’s Office Suite
Project Location: 4007 Estate Diamond Ruby, Christiansted, Saint Croix, VI 00820
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission
Recipient Address: 8000 Nisky Center, Suite 700/701, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission for the purchase and installation of a modular office suite for the Virgin Islands Department of Justice Medical Examiner’s team on St. Croix. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because a modular office suite will provide the Virgin Islands Department of Justice Medical Examiner’s team on St. Croix an area to house the recently deceased and provide unbiased death investigations that augment public safety and criminal prosecution efforts.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Energy and Water/Army Corps of Engineers/Operations and Maintenance
Project Name: Christiansted Harbor Wastewater Operations & Maintenance
Project Location: 15-E Penitentiary Land, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
Recipient Address: 1 A&B Demarara, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,580,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) for the purchase of 2 large scale diesel pumps ($175,000 each), 3 house pumps ($250,000 each), and 6 small scale pumps ($80,000 each). This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because all of these pumps will be used to maintain and improve the wastewater treatment operations of VIWMA at Christiansted Harbor on St. Croix. This will allow VIWMA to better protect human health and the environment in the Virgin Islands.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Interior-Environment/Environmental Protection Agency/State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Project Name: Residential Collection Sewers
Project Location(s): Mon Bijou, St. Croix, VI 00820
Tutu, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Cruz Bay, St. John, VI 00830
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
Recipient Address: 1 A&B Demarara, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,200,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) for the purchase of materials and construction to replace residential sewers at Mon Bijou on St. Croix, Tutu on St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay on St. John, respectively, at a cost of $400,000 each. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because the purchase of materials and construction to replace residential sewers will provide added protection to the health of Virgin Islands residents and their environment.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Interior-Environment/Environmental Protection Agency/State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Project Name: Water Security Infrastructure Upgrade
Project Location(s): All wastewater facilities territory-wide in the Virgin Islands (locations linked here)
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
Recipient Address: 1 A&B Demarara, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) for the purchase of fencing, cameras, lighting, and cybersecurity equipment. This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because all of this equipment will be used to upgrade the security infrastructure of VIWMA wastewater facility operations territory-wide in the Virgin Islands.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Interior-Environment/Environmental Protection Agency/ State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Project Name: Wastewater Treatment Facilities Upgrade
Project Location(s): Cruz Bay, St. John, VI 00830 – 18.327850 -64.791799
Bordeaux, St. Thomas, VI 00802 – 18.350432 -65.019318
Mangrove Lagoon, St. Thomas, VI 00802 – 18.310673 -64.880024
Anguilla, St. Croix, VI 00820 – 17.701000 -64.783920
Project Recipient: Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
Recipient Address: 1 A&B Demarara, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, VI 00802
Amount Requested: $1,400,000
Project Description and Explanation: The requested funding would be used by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) for the purchase of 1 Wastewater Treatment Tank ($500,000), 2 Drying Bends ($100,000 each), 1 Pump Replacement-Influent Wet Well ($400,000), and 1 Sludge Dewatering System ($300,000). This project is a sound use of taxpayer funding because all of this equipment will be used to maintain and improve the wastewater treatment operations and upgrade the wastewater infrastructure of VIWMA at Cruz Bay on St. John, Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas, Bordeaux on St. Thomas, and Anguilla on St. Croix, respectively. This will allow VIWMA to better protect human health and the environment in the Virgin Islands.
Signed Disclosure Letter: Click Here
