Puerto Rico News Digest For October 30, 2015

GOVERNOR DENIES NOT RUNNING IN 2016

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Gov. Alejandro García Padilla denied through his Twitter account on
Wednesday rumors that he will not seek re-election under the Popular
Democratic Party (PDP) banner. Sources told the STAR that the Gover-
nor was planning to announce this week through a televised message that
he was not seeking re-election. “He is seriously thinking about not runn-
ing, in part because of the economy,” a source said..."

GDB CASH RESERVES DWINDLING

From Fox News Latino:

"The government bank responsible for issuing Puerto Rico's bonds said
Wednesday that its liquidity has dropped below $1 billion as concerns
grow it won't be able to make a large upcoming bond payment amid the
U.S. territory's economic crisis. The Government Development Bank said
its liquidity stood at $875 million at the end of September...Investors and
economists are now questioning whether the bank will be able to meet a
$355 million bond payment due Dec. 1 given its dwindling funds..."

USDA GIVES PR $120K FOR RURAL HOUSING

From News Is My Business:

"Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is in-
vesting $3.7 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their ho-
mes across 46 states and Puerto Rico, where 10 towns will equally split
$120,280. The funds are being awarded through the Housing Preserva-
tion Grant program to support the renovation of 1,147 units, the federal
agency said..."

NEW FARMERS MARKETS IN TRAIN STATIONS

From Caribbean Business:

"Gov. Alejandro García Padilla said Thursday that various Urban Train
stations and Maritime Transport Authority boat terminals will be trans-
formed into urban markets for the sale and purchase of Puerto Rico-made
products. The public will be able to buy hand-made products and locally
harvested produce at the Martínez Nadal, Sagrado Corazón, Deportivo and
Bayamón train stations, as well as at the Cataño and Fajardo boat termi-
nals. The farmers markets will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 30,
Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 29 and Feb. 26. A market for women entrepreneurs
will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 13 and Dec. 15..."