Puerto Rico News Digest For March 6, 2019

PUERTO RICO UNDER DROUGHT WATCH

Puerto Rico's water utility (AAA) has indicated that the municipalities of Adjuntas, Caguas, Coamo, Lares and Naranjito could be facing water rationing in the near future if the current dry pattern prevails over the area, according to AAA Vice-President of Operations Doriel Pagán. However, the agency has stated that this is not likely to happen in the immediate future, and that no date for water rationing has so far been set.

The US Drought monitor has placed 30% of Puerto Rico's territory in the moderate drought category, while 80% of the archipelago is said to face atypical drought conditions.

CULEBRA REELS FROM TRANSPORT INTERRUPTIONS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Fortunato Vizcarrondo, a resident of Culebra, denounced on Tuesday that in the island municipalities they are currently living “as if in the hurricanes”, due to the problems with the Maritime Transport Authority (ATM) ferries, which have caused a shortage of products and goods, including gasoline."

LESS MONEY FOR PAN PARTICIPANTS

From El Nuevo Dia:

"1.35 million Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) participants in Puerto Rico are getting smaller checks, and in some cases that represents a third of what they usually received..."

BOARD OKAYS CONVERSION TO NATURAL GAS

From Caribbean Business:

"The Financial Oversight and Management Board and the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau have given the  green light to a contract with New Fortress Energy LLC for the supply of liquefied natural gas 
(LNG) and conversion of units 5 and 6 of the San Juan Combined Cycle Power Plant..."

TOURISM CO. LAUNCHES PLAN TO BOOST TRAVEL

From  News Is My Business:

"Looking to strengthen the island’s tourism industry, the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. has launched a educational campaign to inform the public about the benefits provided by agency-certified travel agencies certified when planning trips or vacations..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For June 13, 2016

CDC DIRECTOR VISITS PR OVER ZIKA

From US News & World Report:

"The director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is in Puerto
Rico to discuss the U.S. territory's response to an outbreak of the Zika virus. Tom
Frieden met with Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla behind closed doors Friday. It is
his second visit to the island in recent months. Puerto Rico is reporting 149 new
cases of the mosquito-borne virus in the past week. The island has more than
1,500 cases, including 182 in pregnant women. A total of 40 people have been
hospitalized..."

MST CALLS FOR CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

From Caribbean Business:

"The Socialist Workers Movement (MST by its Spanish initials), the Work-
ing People’s Party Youth, the National Hostos Independence Movement and
other individuals on Monday were calling for civil disobedience against leg-
islation by the U.S. Congress that would establish  a financial oversight board
for Puerto Rico. “With this activity, we express our strong opposition to the fis-
cal control board that is cooking in the U.S. Congress,” the MST, which was
demonstrating across from the José V. Toledo Federal Building & U.S. Court-
house in Old San Juan, said in a statement..."

CAYEY PEAKS NOW NATURAL RESERVE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Gov. Alejandro García Padilla offi cially approved the demarcation of the
Planadas-Yeyesa natural reserve (known as las Tetas de Cayey) on Thursday,
thereby converting it into one of the largest protected areas in Puerto Rico with
great importance for the southern aquifer, animal species and cultural resources.
The natural reserve is so named after the names of its two large peaks -- Plana-
das and Yeyesa -- both of an approximate elevation of 2,559 feet (780 meters)
above sea level..."

WATER RATE HIKE COULD BE PUSHED BACK

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Executive Director Alberto Láza-
ro said Sunday the chances of an increase in water rates could be pushed back
with the approval of House Bill 2786, which seeks to address the public corpo-
ration’s funding needs for capital improvements. The so-called PRASA Revita-
lization Act is slated to be approved today, delaying the possibility of a rate hike
next month, as Lázaro had warned was a possibility earlier this year..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 14, 2015

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS MAKES SEVERAL ARRESTS

From Caribbean Business:

"Since dawn Wednesday, Special Investigations Bureau (NIE by its
Spanish acronym) agents have been processing the arrests of 38 peo-
ple employed  at the Transportation and Public Works Department
and other agencies for fraud in the issuance of driver's licenses and
other administrative violations..."

CRIM & GDB CLOSE TO SETTLING DISPUTE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"The Municipal Revenue Collections Center (CRIM by its Spanish
acronym) and the Government Development Bank (GDB) are about
to reach an agreement to alleviate the controversy surrounding the
municipal funds deposited in the government bank, Cayey Mayor
Rolando Ortiz said..."

PUERTO RICO SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN ORLANDO

From Reuters:

"Puerto Rican and U.S. leaders will meet in Florida on Wednesday
to discuss ways to promote Puerto Rico's interests in Washington as
the island weathers a major debt crisis. Civic leaders in the U.S. with
ties to Puerto Rico..."

CONTROL BOARD BILL TO BE FILED THIS WEEK

From Reuters:

"Legislation to create a financial control board for heavily indebted
Puerto Rico will be filed on Thursday or Friday, the U.S. territory's
government affairs secretary Jesus Manuel Ortiz said on Tuesday. The
financial control board..."

WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS FOR TODAY

Carraizo and La Plata, both of which serve the San Juan metro area,
are to the left. Information is from 5:00 AM today. Click image to
enlarge.

La Plata Water Rationing Cut To 24 Hours

Starting tomorrow, the 180,000  water users served by the La Plata reservoir
will see their water rationing plan cut from 48 hours without running water at
a time down to 24 hour cut-offs. This is due to La Plata's water level having
risen by 1.11 meters due to heavy rains yesterday. Between one and four in-
ches of rain fell across the island on Wednesday. With the reservoir's level
sitting as of today at 39.94 meters, it is about 11 meters away from its opti-
mal level. La Plata serves the towns of Bayamón, Guaynabo, Cataño, Toa
Baja and  Toa Alta as well as parts of San Juan, Corozal, Naranjito and Do-
rado.

Meanwhile, the Carraízo reservoir has seen significant drops in its water lev-
els since rationing was lifted for customers served by that body of water. It is
currently at 38.65 meters. Some scattered showers are expected over Puerto
Rico over the next couple of days.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 21, 2015

CARRAIZO WATER RATIONING ENDS

Alberto Lázaro, the President of Puerto Rico's water utility (AAA), has
announced that due to increases in the water level at the Carraízo reser-
voir, water rationing for users served by Carraízo is ending today, Mon-
day. Residents of Trujillo Alto, Carolina and parts of San Juan, Gurabo
and Canóvanas will no longer have to deal with water cut-offs, although
water pressure will be controlled as a precautionary measure. Starting at
9:00 AM today, service is being reestablished in full for all areas served
by Carraízo. La Plata, the other reservoir that serves the San Juan metro
area, is still under a rationing plan, despite some recent gains in the water
levels. In the Carraízo zones, fines for water misuse are still in effect, and
Lázaro discouraged users from watering lawns or washing cars. He also
indicated that the reservoir has enough water to avoid more rationing for
about three months.

TREASURY: MONEY TO RUN OUT IN 6 WEEKS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Describing the government as “an old car that doesn’t get good mileage
and is running with barely any gasoline,”Treasury Secretary Juan Zara-
goza said Thursday that in all likelihood, in about one month and a half
government coffers will run out of cash. The situation is such that the
Treasury chief said in a radio interview  that “this a chronicle of a death
foretold.” Zaragoza made his co- mments after the government’s liquidity
problems came into sharper  focus in an analysis drafted by Conway Mac
Kenzie (CM), which sets out that the government will have an overdraft
of $765 million by November.

NSF AWARDS $3.8M TO UPR MEDICAL SCIENCES

From Caribbean Business:

The Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) has
received a $3.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF)
for an international collaboration studying the neural mechanism of deci-
sion-making. The NSF funds are from its Partnerships for International Re-
search and Education (PIRE) program, which supports international activi-
ties across various disciplines. The program's primary goal is to support
projects in which advances in research and education could not occur with-
out international collaboration. PIRE focuses on investment in Science, En-
gineering and Education for Sustainability (SEES) to approach the challenges
of adapting to environmental, social and cultural changes associated with gro-
wth and development of human populations, and attaining a sustainable ener-
gy future, according to the NSF.

KIVA ZIP OFFERS 0% LOANS TO PR BUSINESSES

From News Is My Business:

Entrepreneurs looking to finance their ventures have the opportunity to
borrow from Kiva Zip, a technological platform that connects individuals
and businesses to provide loans at 0 percent interest. “The Foundation
for Puerto Rico, a local organization that works with Kiva.org and promo-
tes the visitor economy as a way to position Puerto Rico as a global des-
tination, has created a seed fund of $ 10,000 to match each dollar loaned
to a local entrepreneur through Kiva Zip,” said Denisse Rodríguez, pro-
gram manager of the Foundation for Puerto Rico. Kiva Zip, program of the
nonprofit Kiva.org, has the purpose of connecting individuals and organi-
zations through the Internet, to grant microloans directly to entreprene-
urs to facilitate and expand their opportunities through the financing of
their business, reduce capital costs and make a positive impact in society.

PREPA AT ODDS WITH INSURERS OVER DEBT

From Bloomberg:

The debt-restructuring agreement Puerto Rico’s main electric utility unvei-
led with great fanfare at the start of the month is turning out to be far from
a done deal. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, known as Prepa,
still needs to come to terms with about two-thirds of creditors, including
bond-insurance companies, or the agreement falls apart. An accord that
keeps the negotiations out of court expires late Friday. All forbearing cre-
ditors except insurer MBIA Inc. are part of that contract, called a forbear-
ance agreement. “They still have to do quite a bit of work,” said Mikhail
Foux, a municipal-debt strategist at Barclays Plc in New York. “They have
only about a third of the people on board. We’re talking about monolines
and bond funds that effectively bought at par.”

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 10, 2015

PUERTO RICO BRACES FOR BUDGET CUTS

From AP / WINK News:

Puerto Rico is bracing for widespread spending cuts after the government
released a long-awaited fiscal reform plan on Wednesday that would redu-
ce much of the island’s $72 billion public debt and calls for restructuring
the remainder at the expense of bondholders. The five-year plan proposes
that the government cut subsidies to municipalities and the University of
Puerto Rico, offer early retirement and reorganize or merge state agencies.
It also calls on the government to extend until 2021 legislation that would
freeze new hires, salary increases and collective bargaining agreements.
Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla acknowledged in a televised address that
Puerto Ricans already have had to endure new taxes, an increase in utility
bills and layoffs during a nearly decade-long economic stagnation.

FINANCIAL CONTROL BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED

From Caribbean Business:

A five-member, independent financial control board will be tasked with
ensuring that the recently released Fiscal & Economic Growth Plan (FE
GP), once approved, is followed, and would have the necessary powers
to ensure compliance, particularly if subsequent administrations decide
to do away with the final plan. It would be in place for the five-year pe-
riod of the plan, after which further extending its term would be conside-
red. Moreover, the board would have the authority to approve the plan,
as well as the power to force budgetary cuts, among other corrective ac-
tions, which will be part of draft legislation to be submitted to the Legis-
lature for its establishment. It has yet to be revealed when the Economic
Recovery Working Group will deliver its proposed legislation to Puerto
Rico lawmakers for their necessary approval.

WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS FOR TODAY

Carraizo is on the far left, while La Plata is immediately to its right.
Users served by both reservoirs are currently subject to water ratio-
ning. Some rain has fallen over the area this morning, with more ex-
pected over the next two days, as two low pressure systems pass over
the area.

SCHOOLS MAY RETURN TO NORMAL SCHEDULE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

If the water levels at the Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs continue in-
creasing, the Education Department may change the policy implemen-
ted at the beginning of the school year and return to normal school days
and hours -- offering classes Monday to Friday or extending school hours
 at those public schools where class periods have been reduced due to wa-
ter rationing. In a radio interview Tuesday, Education Secretary Rafael
Román said the rationing plan has cost the agency close to $1 million in
the purchase of water cisterns and water storage containers for the sch-
ool’s cafeterias, among other facilities, in order to supply water at the
affected schools. Román said that toward the end of the week he will be
discussing the state of the reservoirs and the changes made in the ratio-
ning plans.

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGES FLOWN TO PR

From Yahoo! News:

Officials say Carnival Cruise Lines is flying 770 passengers to Puerto
Rico after their ship caught in fire in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The
president of the company that manages the dock where the ship is ber-
thed says six chartered flights were headed Wednesday to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 4, 2015

GANGS TURN AVENUE INTO WARZONE

65th Infantry Avenue Closed For Three Hours

As reported by El Nuevo Dia, Police had to close off a stretch of 65th

Infantry Avenue in Rio Piedras as gang members from  Monte Hatillo

public housing project and the Berwind apartment buildings across the

road traded gunfire on Wednesday night. No deaths or injuries have
been reported as a result of the gunfire. A local school had to be eva-

cuated yesterday due to threats of further violence in the area. Police

believe that the latest outburst of violence came about due to the recent

murder of Héctor Nussa Román, who was the stepbrother of the alleged

head of drug sales in Monte Hatillo. Shootings in the area are sporadic,

but have been happening for years.

CARRAIZO GOES TO TWO-DAY RATIONING

Puerto Rico's water utility, AAA, has announced that water levels at the
Carraízo reservoir -- which serves Trujillo Alto, Carolina and parts of San
Juan -- is now high enough that water rationing for areas served by Carraí-
zo is being cut back to two days without water and one day with water. The
change begins today, after several weeks of water users being restricted to
two days of running water a week. About 160,000 AAA customers would
be affected by the change. Recent rains have swollen Carraízo's level to 37.
14 meters. Users of the La Plata reservoir are still also under "phase two"
water restrictions, with water off for two days at a time.

PREPA DEAL CAPS RATE HIKE AT 8¢

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The hike that Puerto Rico consumers will see in their electricity bill, which
must be approved by the Energy Commission, is not going to be higher than
the eight cents estimated in a five-year business plan prepared by the Puerto
Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) following an agreement reached with
the Ad Hoc Group of bondholders. PREPA Chief Restructuring Officer Lisa
Donahue said the final rate structure will be determined by the outcome of
talks with the other PREPA creditors -- banks and the utility’s insurance com-
panies. Those talks are expected to be completed by Sept. 18, which is when
the forbearance agreement between PREPA and its creditors is expected to
expire. TheAd Hoc Group represents 35 percent of the debt.

ARECIBO INCINERATORS GETS FINAL PERMIT

From News Is My Business:

Energy Answers confirmed Wednesday that the Puerto Rico Environmental
Quality Board has granted the final permit to build a facility for the processing
of non-hazardous solid waste at the Cambalache Sector in Arecibo. The review
process of this permit began in 2012 under the administration of Gov. Luis For-
tuño and included two separate public hearings and extended periods of time for
comment in writing, ensuring broad public participation in the permitting pro-
cess. “The periods for written comments exceeded by far the established regu-
latory requirements and what is usual and customary for a facility handling so-
lid waste as proposed,” the company said.

USDA DESIGNATES 17 TOWNS DISATER AREAS

From Caribbean Business:

Although Puerto Rico has received much-needed rain in the past week, primari-
ly due to Tropical Storm Erika and a tropical wave, the U.S. Department of Agri-
culture has declared an additional 17 municipalities in Puerto Rico as natural di-
saster areas due to the ongoing drought conditions. These additional municipali-
ties are: Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Bayamón, Cataño, Ceiba, Coamo, Comerío,
Dorado, Guaynabo, Loíza, Naguabo, Naranjito, San Juan, Santa Isabel, Toa Al-
ta, Toa Baja  and Vega Alta.

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 31, 2015

RESERVOIR LEVELS GO UP AGAIN

Rains produced by Tropical Storm Erika and a low pressure  system that
passed over the island yesterday have helped  boost water levels at the
Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs. La Plata, the reservoir most affected by
the drought, was  up seven centimeters this morning. Carraízo increased
by 4 centimeters, with a total gain over the last several days of 2.67 me-
ters. Due to the increase, the water rationing plan for users served by Ca-
rraízo has been changed to two days without service and one day with wa-
ter from the recent three-days-off/one-day-on plan. The rationing plan for
users served by La Plata remains unchanged.

ERIKA LEAVES $20M IN AGRICULTURE LOSSES

From Caribbean Business:

After estimating preliminary losses at about $6 million in damaged agricul-
tural crops after Tropical Storm Erika’s passage through the island, these
estimates have soared to as much as $20 million, according to Puerto Rico
Agriculture Secretary Myrna Comas. Among the most damaged crops, par-
ticularly due to Erika’s winds, are plantains and bananas, while losses have
also been reported in coffee and orange plantations. Affected municipalities
include Yabucoa, Maunabo, Salinas, Adjuntas, Lares, Maricao and other
towns in the island’s mountainous region. Erika also ruined hydroponic
greenhouses and other shade-house projects.

CUOMO TO LEAD PR ECONOMIC DELEGATION

From NY Daily News:

In the midst of the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, Gov. Cuomo is set to ann-
ounce he’ll soon be leading a delegation to the troubled island,  sources tell the
Daily News. The “solidarity” trip is expected to take place in early September
and involve a group of “financial experts” and elected leaders, including City
Council Speaker and Puerto Rico native Melissa Mark-Viverito, said one sour-
ce familiar with the developing plans. “New York is home to more Puerto Ri-
cans than any other state in the country, and the governor believes we have a
responsibility to support our  friends in times of need,” the source said.

PUERTO RICO DELAYS FISCAL PLAN

From Reuters:

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 21, 2015

HURRICANE DANNY GETS TO PR TUESDAY

Hurricane Danny, now with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, is ex-
pected to reach the southern coast of Puerto Rico sometime early on Tues-
day. As of today's 5 AM advisory from the National Weather Service, Da-
nny is located at 13.7N 47.4W, about 985 miles east of the Leeward Islan-
ds. It is moving to the west/northwest at about 10 mph, and has a minim-
um central pressure of 987 mb. Danny is a small hurricane, with hurrica-
ne force winds extending outwards only about 10 miles from its center.
Some strengthening is expected today, but the storm will likely weaken
during Saturday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at
this time. Keep checking this blog and our Twitter feed for more on Hu-
rricane Danny.

11:00 AM UPDATE: Danny strengthens to 105 mph maximum sustai-
ned winds, becoming a Category 2 hurricane. It is still moving WNW at
10 mph, with more of a westerly turn expected on Saturday. Pressure has
dropped to 976 mb. Coordinates are 14.0N 48.2W, about 930 miles east
of the Leeward Islands. The next advisory will be issued by the National
Weather Service at 5:00 PM.

2:00 PM UPDATE: Hurricane Hunter aircraft are reporting that Danny's
maximum sustained winds have increased to 115 mph, making this a
category 3 hurricane. The National Weather Service states: "No additio-
nal intensification is expected, as Danny is moving into an area of unfavo-
rable upper-level winds, and a weakening trend is expected to begin later
today.  Consequently, no adjustment to the forecast intensities from the
previous advisory is required". Current coordinates: 14.3N 48.6W, about
900 miles east of the Leeward Islands.

MORE TOWNS DROUGHT DISASTER AREAS

From NBC News:

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack declared
an additional six municipalities in Puerto Rico as natural disaster areas
due to worsening drought conditions. The municipalities affected include
Corozal, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocovis, Toa Alta, and Vega Alta. The ann-
ouncement comes in the wake of several other drought disaster declarati-
ons by Secretary Vilsack, bringing the total to 36 affected  municipali-
ties on the island.

TRIBUTE PAID TO FORMER SPEAKER JARABO

From Caribbean Business:

The House of Representatives paid tribute Thursday to José Ronaldo 

"Rony" Jarabo Álvarez for his work and political, cultural and social 

contribution to Puerto Rico. In celebrating the occasion of his 30th 

anniversary since presiding the chamber, an act was held in the Capi-

tol. It was attended by Gov. Alejandro García Padilla, former Gov. 

Rafael Hernández Colón, Senate President Eduardo Bhatia Gautier, 

Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi and House Speaker Jaime Pe-

relló Borrás. The governor spoke of the body of work developed by 

the politician, who chaired the House from 1985 to 1992. The gover-

nor said the vision and optimism that characterizes the former House 

speaker is the same that inspires him "to seek unity, alliances and con-

vergence to meet the challenges the country faces today."

TODAY'S WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS

Click picture to enlarge.

Carraízo is at 33.90 meters, while La Plata stands at 34.69 meters.

Both reservoirs serve the San Juan metro area. Hurricane Danny is

expected to bring considerable rain with it early next week, which

may help boost reservoir levels. Users served by both Carraízo and

La Plata are currently under water rationing plans.

List of Water Oases For The Carraízo Rationing Zones

Oases are locations where the island's water provider, AAA, will distribute
potable water from tanker trucks from 9:00 AM  to 8:00 PM daily. Bring con-
tainers for water. The listing can be found in Spanish here. Water rationing 
for areas served by the Carraízo reservoir is currently on a 24-hours-with-
water-on / 72-hours-water-off cycle. The Carraízo rationing area is divided
into two zones, A and B. A map of the zones can be found below. Zone A 
is shaded green, while Zone B is in blue.




Zone A

San Juan

Ave. San Claudio in front of Chalets de Cupey
Barrio Buen Consejo/Venezuela
PR 176 Int 199, in front of Academia Barbara Ann Roessler

Trujillo Alto

PR 181, in front of Urb. Lomas
PR 843, KM 4.1, in front of Urb. Villas de Carraízo
PR 846, in front of Urb. Interamericana

Carolina

Ave. Campo Rico in front of José M. Lázaro School
Ave. Fragoso service road east of Plaza Carolina mall
Ave. Monserrate, corner of Roberto Clemente
Ave. Pontezuela, corner of Calle 1, Jardines de Country Club, in front 
of Mormon church.
Calle 516, Villa Carolina, in front of Municipal HQ.
Laguna Gardens Shopping Center

Urb. Villa Carolina, calle 23in front of Lulo González Voleyball Court


Zone B

San Juan

Ave. Eduardo Conde, corner of Ave. San Jorge
Ave. Gándara, corner of Ponce De León
Ave. Monte Carlo, in front of Portal de la Reina Condominium
Calle Julio Andino, corner of Ana Otero, Villa Prades
65th Infantry Shopping Center, in front of Mickey Mouse court
Residencial Kennedy, Las Casas and Eduardo Conde Final

Carolina

PR 3, in front of Los Colobos Shopping Center
PR 853, Int 852, Barrio Barrazas in front of Emergency Management
PR 860, in front of Metrópolis Shoping Center

Canóvanas

Urb. River Gardens/River Plantation

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 17, 2015

WEEKEND RAINS RAISE RESERVOIR LEVELS

The rains that soaked much of Puerto Rico over this past weekend helped
raise the levels of several of the island's water reservoirs, including emba-
ttled Carraízo, which saw a rise of 31 centimeters. users of the Carraízo
reservoir, which serves much of the San Juan metro area, are still under
a water rationing plan which only gives them running water two days a
week, and which is expected to continue, according to the President of
AAA, Alberto Lázaro. The reservoir that made the biggest gains over the
weekend was Guajataca, which increased by 74 centimeters. However, La
Plata reservoir did not see any level rises during the period of rain. La Plata's
users are currently under a 48-hour water rationing plan, which may soon be
extended.

DOZENS TIE THE KNOT AT MASS GAY WEDDING

From Caribbean Business:

More than 60 same-sex couples are marrying Sunday in Old San Juan,
the first time an event of this nature takes place on the island after the
recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage, fo-
llowed by Gov. Alejandro García Padilla’s executive order to change
local laws accordingly. “It’s a historic day for Puerto Rico, since we
show diversity,” lawyer Ada Conde, a long-time civil rights advocate,
told Inter News Service. Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision
in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage throughout the na-
tion, including Puerto Rico, where Article 68 of the Civil Code defined
marriage as the union “between a man and a woman.”

TREASURY COLLECTS $626.5M IN JULY

From News Is My Business:

The Puerto Rico Treasury Department announced Friday that General Fund
net revenues totaled $626.5 million in July 2015 — the first month of Fiscal
2016 — representing a $2.3 million increase when compared to July 2014.
Collections were $21.1 million above estimates, Treasury Secretary Juan Za-
ragoza said. Sales and Use Tax (SUT) collections totaled $154.3 million in
July 2015, a $40.6 million, or 35.7 percent, year-over-year increase and the
highest amount of revenues for any month since the inception of the SUT.

TURTLE EGG DESTRUCTION INVESTIGATED

From Fox News Latino:

Environmental agencies in Puerto Rico are investigating the destruction of 99
eggs of the endangered leatherback turtle that were found in a nest on a beach
in San Juan, activist Deborah Feliciano told EFE Friday. Feliciano, a member
of the government-sponsored 7 Quillas group that is charged with keeping wa-
tch on the beaches of Condado and Ocean Park, found that the eggs were rotten,
the nest was inundated with water, and there was a distinct smell of excrement
in the air. She said the group reported the situation to Puerto Rico's Natural Re-
sources Department, or DRNA, and to the Board of Environmental Quality.

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 14, 2015

PIERLUISI SEEKS PR DROUGHT RELIEF

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi on Wednesday wrote
a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter formally requesting that
the Department of Defense (DOD) review all authorities in federal law and
all available federal resources that may facilitate helping the Puerto Rico
Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) restore water service in munici-
palities aff ected by the drought. “The drought has had many adverse conse-
quences.… Households and businesses in the greater San Juan metropolitan
area must live without running water for three days for every day their taps
are turned on,” Pierluisi stated in his letter to Carter...The letter also menti-
ons multiple ideas that have been brought forward in recent days about the
kinds of assistance that the DOD might be able to provide. This includes
deploying Navy ships to Puerto Rico that have desalinization capabilities,
and activating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to drill new water wells
or provide a supply of emergency drinking water that would supplement
PRASA resources.

GOVERNOR SIGNS PRO-TRANSGENDER LAWS

From HRC:

Governor Alejandro García Padilla signed two pro-LGBT executive orders
in Puerto Rico on Monday.The first would prohibit discrimination in hospi-
tals based on gender identity. The other would allow transgender people to
change their gender on their Puerto Rican driver’s license. “My administra-
tion is committed to the eradication of all forms of discrimination,” the go-
vernor said is a statement. “The lack of this type of regulation in these areas
limits the full development of citizens belonging to transsexual and transgen-
der communities, lacerating their dignity, their access to health and quality
of life. This type of discrimination directly affects aspects of everyday life
such as employment, family and safety; and that is no longer acceptable in
Puerto Rico."

COTTO VS CANELO SET FOR VEGAS

From LA Times:

Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto and Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez announ-
ced Thursday they will fight Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Ca-
sino in Las Vegas, renewing a rivalry expected to be a slugfest. “I feel very
happy that Cotto and I will write our own story and continue the legacy of
great fights between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans,” Alvarez (45-1-1, 32
knockouts) told The Times in Spanish during a telephone interview with
his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, translating. “I’m embracing this rivalry.”
HBO will televise the bout on pay-per-view, and the catch-weight limit
will be 155 pounds, five less than the middleweight limit.

MORE THAN 100 OFFICIALS LOBBY FOR PR

From News Is My Business:

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on Thursday sent a letter, in
conjunction with more than 100 elected officials from across the nation,
demanding immediate action from Congress to enact legislation that will
allow Puerto Rico to enter bankruptcy. “The interests of the Puerto Rican
community, whether they are in Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, Ca-
lifornia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida or anywhere else are Ame-
rican interests,” the letter stated...In the letter, the officials asked Con-
gressmen Orrin Hatch, Charles Grassley and Bob Goodlatte — the law-
makers responsible for reviewing a pair of companion bills known as the
Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity Act of 2015 that seek to extend bank-
ruptcy protection to the island’s public instrumentalities — to “act imme-
diately and enact legislation.”

Puerto Rico News Digest for August 13, 2015

CARRAIZO ALMOST OUT OF SERVICE

As a long drought continues to punish Puerto Rico, the Carraízo water
reservoir -- which serves much of the San Juan metro area -- has dropped
26 centimeters today, leaving it  3.34 meters away from being rendered as
inoperable. The La Plata reservoir went down 11 centimeters since yester-
day. Carraízo water customers are currently being subjected to three-day
water rationing due to the low levels. Levels for all major reservoirs are
shown in the above graph. Carraízo is on the far left.

GOV'T LAWYERS CONSIDER JANUARY SCENARIOS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Government lawyers are analyzing all the possible scenarios to determine
which debt can be left unpaid and which can not. The recent default on a
$58 million debt of the Public Finance Corporation on Aug. 1 was actually
a calculated move because the government knows that bondholders had li-
ttle legal recourse because it is a moral obligation that depends upon a leg-
islative appropriation, sources said. Regarding other types of debt, bond-
holders can expect a recovery rate between 35 to 65% on a series of diffe-
rent bonds traded by Puerto Rico in the event of a default, according to in-
formation compiled by Bloomberg. The publication reported on data conta-
ining the most recent trading prices of bonds that aren’t insured against
default.

USDA: 13 CITIES DECLARED DISASTER AREAS

From Caribbean Business:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 municipali-
tiesin Puerto Rico as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and lo-
sses caused by a recent drought. Those municipalities are Arroyo, Fajardo,
Patillas, Canovanas, Las Piedras, Río Grande, Carolina, Luquillo, Trujillo
Alto, Cayey, Maunabo, Yabucoa and Cidra. Farmers and ranchers in the fo-
llowing municipalities in Puerto Rico also qualify for natural disaster assis-
tance because their municipalities are contiguous. Those municipalities are
Aguas Buenas, Comerio, Loiza, Aibonito, Guayama, Naguabo, Barranquitas,
Gurabo, Salinas, Caguas, Humacao, San Juan, Ceiba, Juncos and San Loren-
zo.

PR PREPARES FOR MASS GAY WEDDING

From US News & World Report:

More than 60 gay couples are preparing to exchange vows at a mass wedding
in Puerto Rico, celebrating a U.S. Supreme Court ruling affecting the socia-
lly conservative U.S. territory, organizers said Wednesday.Most of the cou-
ples are Puerto Ricans, but others from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba
and Venezuela also are participating in the event scheduled for Sunday in
San Juan's colonial district. "This is a historic event for all of Puerto Rico,"
said organizer Ada Conde, an attorney who had filed a federal lawsuit seek-
ing to have her gay marriage recognized in the U.S. territory prior to the Su-
preme Court decision. "This is not a show. This is not a parade. This is a so-
lemn event to celebrate the fruit of our sacrifice." Conde said she anticipated
protests and noted that police officers would be posted at the ceremony.

Three Day Rationing For Carraízo Starts Next Week

Reservoir levels for today. Carraízo is on the left.

SAN JUAN (PRM) -- Amid Puerto Rico's worst drought in decades, the
water levels at the Carraízo  reservoir -- which serves a large part  of the
San Juan metro area -- continue to fall to dangerously low levels. This has
prompted the island's water utility, Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantari-
llados, to extend the water rationing plan that Carraízo users have been
under for several weeks. According to AAA management, the Carraízo
reservoir level is now so low, that it may soon be rendered inoperative.

Starting next Wednesday, August 13th, running water will be shut off
for three days rather than the current two days, and will then be on for
one day. Of the two rationing zones the Carraízo service area is divi-
ded into, Zone B will be the first to be subjected to the three-day ratio-
ning, with Zone A following suit two days later. A map of the Carraí-
zo zones can be found below. No significant rainfall over the area is
expected for the time being, although the government announced yes-
terday that they will soon begin a program of cloud seeding, in hopes
of generating rain over the dwindling reservoirs of Carraízo, La Plata
and Cidra.

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 5, 2015

2-DAY RATIONING COMES TO LA PLATA

As announced several days ago by the island's water utility, AAA,  cus-
tomers served by the La Plata reservoir will start to see 48-hour water
rationing starting today. This means that running water will be on for
one day, off for two days, then back on. The affected towns are: Baya-
món, Cataño, Dorado, Toa Alta, Toa Baja and Vega Alta. La Plata's
water levels have been steadily decreasing all summer, as the worst
drought the Caribbean area has seen in decades continues to prevent
significant rainfall over the eastern two thirds of Puerto Rico. The Na-
tional Weather Service has declared this past July to be the fourth driest
month in the island's history. La Plata's level stands this morning at 35.
74 meters, falling 13 centimeters from yesterday.

EARTHQUAKES FELT ON NORTH COAST

Two earthquakes were felt on Puerto Rico's north coast early this mor-
ning. The first one was registered at 3:29 AM, and had a magnitude of
4.5. The quake was centered at latitude 19.5208 degrees north and lon-
gitude 66.3658 and had a depth of 72 kilometeres. The tremor was felt
in several municipalities, according to El Vocero. The second quake
happened at 5:23 AM, and had a magnitude of 3.4, with the epicenter
76 miles north of the city of Dorado. No tsunami warning or watches
have been issued as a result of the quakes.

PIERLUISI CONDEMNS GOVERNOR OVER DEFAULT

From The San Juan Daily Star:

New Progressive Party (NPP) President Pedro Pierluisi on Monday lambas-
ted the administration of Gov. Alejandro García Padilla for causing the first
non-payment of the government’s financial obligations in the island’s his-
tory after missing a $58 million payment on Public Finance Corp. (PFC)
debt, due this past weekend. “Today is a grim day in the history of  Puerto
Rico. For the fi rst time in its history the government of Puerto Rico failed
to pay its obligations. The consequences of this irresponsible act will be
hard on all Puerto Ricans,” Pierluisi said.

LUXURY HOTEL BEING BUILT IN TORO VERDE

From Caribbean Business:

Jorge Jorge, the CEO of Toro Verde, a nature adventure tour company, laid
the first stone in the construction of a new luxury hotel, Nayara Toro Ver-
de, in Orocovis, which is projected to inject some $6 million into the lo-
cal economy. "Thanks to all of your support, and to always thinking about
being innovative, pioneering and at the forefront of ecotourism, we have
joined forces with Nayara Hotel, which is a five-star hotel of internatio-
nal recognition that is highly experienced in giving guests unforgettable
experiences, to build a hotel in the mountains of Toro Verde, which will
bring another perspective on luxury tourism and ecotourism to Puerto Rico,"
the businessman said.

PR FACES LITIGIATION OVER DEBT

From Reuters:

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 29, 2015

DOOR OPEN FOR EXTENDED WATER RATIONING 

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has already outli-
ned long term plans based on a future scenario in which the island will remain
under drought conditions through the beginning of 2016, which could make
water rationing plans even stricter and extended to more towns. PRASA Sou-
thern Region Director Juan Rodríguez said Monday that the public corpora-
tion has not ruled out a wider water rationing plan than the one currently in
 place for consumers that receive their water supply from the Carraízo and
La Plata reservoirs, and the southern towns of Coamo, Santa Isabel and Sali-
nas. Guaynabo is also on water rationing, going one day with water and one
day without.

MAN MURDERED IN CANOVANAS

An unidentified male was murdered early this morning in the Parcelas Campo
Rico area of Canóvanas, according to Puerto Rico Police and El Nuevo Dia. At
around 6:36 AM, gunshots were  heard in the neighborhood. When police offi-
cers arrived, they found the bullet-riddled body on the grounds of a  residence.
This is the 313th murder to be reported in Puerto Rico so far this year.

SHERATON OLD SAN JUAN CASINO TO CLOSE

From Caribbean Business:

The casino at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino, in the historic sector 

of Puerto Rico's capital, is slated to close its doors sometime in September, in-

dustry sources told Caribbean Business. An official announcement on  the matter  

is expected later today.

LATINO LEADERS URGE FEDS TO HELP PR

From News Is My Business:

The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition of 39 of the U.S. main-

land’s largest Latino advocacy organizations, held a press conference Tuesday 

with Congressional, Puerto Rican, and labor leaders today calling on President 

Obama and Congress to take action “to save Puerto Rico from economic disaster.”

As Puerto Rico continues to endure a growing economic crisis that includes a $72 

billion debt, major unemployment, and population drain, Puerto Ricans and Lati-

nos on the mainland are “growing impatient with Washington as leaders have fai-

led to step up to assist millions of American citizens living on the island,” group 

representatives said.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 27, 2015

DIVIDED NPP OUT OF ELECTION FUNDS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The New Progressive Party (NPP) has barely enough money to operate. But for
NPP gubernatorial hopeful Ricardo Rosselló, fundraising activities have not been
affected by the fiscal crisis at all. The NPP’s finances, however, have been hit hard,
mainly because of the dispute over who will be the party’s candidate for governor.
A document from the State Elections Commission (SEC) Comptroller’s Office sho-
ws that as of June 30, the NPP had only $175 left in its electoral fund out of the $
400,000 the party receives each year for administra-tive costs. Meanwhile, the Po-
pular Democratic Party (PDP), as of June 30, had left some $171,000 left in its fu-
nd, and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) had some $260,000. Accordi-
ng to the Electoral Law, it won’t be until January 2016 that the political parties
will have access to another $600,000 for election year expenses.

AGP CALLS FOR UNITY DURING CONSTITUTION DAY

From Caribbean Business:

The unity of the Puerto Rican people was the central idea put forward by Gov.
Alejandro García Padilla in his message commemorating the 63rd year of the Co-
mmonwealth of Puerto Rico's Constitution, while people in the vicinity of the
Sabana Grande public square shouted, "Four more years!" The governor addressed
the crowd, saying Puerto Ricans should "celebrate that unity of purpose to cre-
ate an autonomous constitutional government signed in 1952." In his speech Sa-
turday, the governor spoke of former Gov. Luis A. Ferré, who ran under the Repu-
blican Statehood Party, and don Lino Padrón Rivera, of the Puerto Rican Socia-
list Party. "Without renouncing their ideals, they were able able to affix their
signatures on a document that, without a doubt, they certainly believed imperfect.
They must have known the consequences; the political and electoral risk they fa-
ced in supporting the agenda of their opponent," Luis Muñoz Marín.

CANADA BEATS PR IN PANAM VOLLEYBALL

From National Post:

Canada won its first medal ever in men’s indoor volleyball at the Pan American
Games on the final day of competition Sunday. Canada beat Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-11,
25-12, 23-25, 25-18), in front of a sea of red and white at the Exhibition Centre
to snatch the bronze medal, the 70th such medal for Canada in these Games. The
bronze also happens to be Canada’s only medal at any of the indoor or beach volley-
ball competitions. The program’s previous-best finish in men’s volleyball came in
1979 and 1999, where Canada ended up in fourth place.

TODAY'S WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS

From AAA:

Carraízo stands at 35.13 centimeteres, while La Plata is registering a 37.06 cm
level this morning. NO significant rain is expected for the next several days.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 24, 2015

'SUPERACUEDUCTO' PIPE BURSTS IN ARECIBO

A breach in a pipe of the 'Superacueducto' water transport system, which brings
water from the center of the island to the San Juan metro area, is causing prob-
lems this morning on kilometer 69.7 of  the José de Diego Freeway. The rupture
was reported in the Domingo Ruiz district, and brigades from the Autoridad de
Acueductos y Alcantarillados were on their way to the site, according to AAA's
spokesperson Norma Muñoz. It is unknown how or if the broken pipe would aff-
ect water service. Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are going through their worst
drought in two decades.

UPDATE: AAA has stated that the malfunction has to do not with a pipe, but
with an air escape valve that is part of the Superacueducto. Water service to
the San Juan metro area will supposedly not be affected. Repairs are expected
to be done within six hours.

SALINAS AND GUAYAMA UNDER 'EXTREME DROUGHT'

From Caribbean Business:

The U.S. Drought Monitor has increased its classification of Puerto Rico as under
extreme drought when it introduced a new area Thursday, the municipalities of
Salinas and Guayama. Caguas, Juncos, Gurabo and San Lorenzo are also classi-
fied as experiencing extreme drought. The federal Drought Monitor indicates
that 2.66% of the island is under extreme drought (D-3), 17.95% in severe drou-
ght (D2), 24.26% in moderate drought (D-1), 32.46% unusually dry (D-0), and
22.68% is not affected.

PAULSON BUYS SAN JUAN BEACH HOTEL FOR $20M

From News Is My Business:

Hedge fund investor Paulson & Co. has bought the San Juan Beach Hotel in
Condado for $20 million, and plans to renovate the beachfront property that
shuttered earlier this year after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The most recent investment by Paulson & Co. is added to other hotel and real
estate properties the company has picked up in recent years, representing a to-
tal investment of some $2 billion that include the Vanderbilt Hotel, the St. Re-
gis Bahía Beach Resort, La Concha Resort and several office buildings in the
Hato Rey sector of San Juan.

DRAFT OF MEDICAL POT REGULATION AVAILABLE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Medical marijuana will most likely be legally prescribed in Puerto Rico by
doctors to patients with certain conditions within the next few months, after
Health Secretary Ana Ríus announced Wednesday that a draft of the new
regulation on the use, possession, cultivation, manufacturing, production,
fabrication, dispensation and investigation of medical marijuana is officia-
lly available for citizens to review and offer comment and suggestions before
public hearings begin in late August. Ríus said those interested in presenting
comments have 30 days to do so (starting Wednesday) and must submit their
suggestions at the Health Department’s Legal Office at the former Psychiatric
Hospital at the Río Piedras Medical Center in San Juan, Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, public hearings will be held in the same
building in the Guillermo Arbona Room at 9 a.m. on Aug. 27-28. Comments
and suggestions can also be emailed to mayramaldondado2@salud.pr.gov.

Maps For All Water Rationing Zones

Carraízo


These zones are under 48-hour rationing (running water is on for one day, off for
two days). Zone A is shaded in green. Zone  B is shaded in blue. PF Canóvanas
is in purple.



Rationing calendar



La Plata


These zones are under 24-hour rationing (water off every other day). North Zone is
in orange, South Zone is in yellow.



Rationing calendar



Guaynabo


These zones are under 24-hour rationing. North Zone is in purple, South Zone
is in pink.





Corozal / Naranjito


These zones are under 24-hour rationing. North Zone is in purple, South Zone is
in pink.





Eastern Puerto Rico

These zones are under 24-hour rationing. Caguas North Zone 1 is in blue, Zone
2 is green. Caguas South Zone 1 is yellow, Zone 2 is pink. Juncos Zone 1 is in
orange and Zone 2 in burgundy.




Río Grande, Loíza and Luquillo; high areas are in yellow.






Coamo, Salinas and Santa Isabel

These zones are under 12-hour rationing. Zone A is in green and Zone B is
in blue.




All information is from Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 22, 2015

WATER RATIONING COMES TO THE SOUTH

Puerto Rico's water utility, Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados  (AAA), 

has announced the implementation of a water rationing program for sectors of the 

municipalities of Coamo, Santa Isabel and Salinas, as the island's worst drought in 

decades threatens underground aquifers in the region. Twelve-hour rationing, where

water flow is cut off to users for 12 hours at a time, begins Thursday, July 23. The 

rationing area is divided into two zones, A and B (see the map above to find out

which neighborhoods are in which zones). Zone A will be the first to see the water

stop flowing at midnight tonight. Water will be reestablished at noon, and then Zone

B will have its water cut off for 12 hours. AAA will not run water oases in these towns,

as rationing will initially only be 12 hours. 

PREPA APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

From Caribbean Business:

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa) announced Tuesday the designa-

tion of Javier Quintana Méndez as the new executive director of the financially trou-

bled utility, effective Aug. 3. "The successful transformation of Prepa is crucial for 

Puerto Rico and its citizens. The Governing Board of Prepa selected Dr. Quintana as 

executive director at this important moment, because we believe that his experience 

and background in the energy field will help Prepa reach its goal of becoming a self-

sustaining corporation. Now is the time for the crucial decisions that require great lea-

dership," said Harry Rodríguez, chairman of the utility’s board. Quintana Méndez, 

who has been vice president of Prepa’s board for the past two years, is currently the 

dean of the engineering school at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Baya-

món campus, and a member of the Interamerican Board of Energy Resources Direc-

tors. Moreover, he is a former executive director of the Solid Waste Authority (2005-

2008).

TWO MORE SENATORS BACK CHAPTER 9 BILL

From News Is My Business:

Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced Tuesday that Senator Patrick Leahy 

of Vermont, the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, will cosponsor S. 

1774, the identical companion bill in the Senate to HR 870, the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 

Uniformity Act, which Pierluisi introduced in the House of Representatives in February.

Senator Leahy’s office advised Pierluisi’s office and Leahy will be formally added as a 

cosponsor. In addition, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, a moderate who sits on the 

Senate Banking Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, has also agreed to co-

sponsor S. 1774, which was introduced last week by Senator Richard Blumenthal of Co-

nnecticut, Senator Charles Schumer of New York, and 10 other U.S. Senators, including 

Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

PR BASKETBALL TEAM LOSES PAN AM OPENER

From The Courier-Journal:

Rick Pitino's international coaching debut on Tuesday morning was an forgettable 

one. Pitino, coaching Puerto Rico's national team at the Pan Am Games here in Ca-

nada, saw his squad fall behind by 25 points in the first quarter, shoot 33 percent 

and lose 92-59 in a lopsided opener against Brazil at the Mattamy Athletic Centre 

on Ryerson University's campus. The 33-point loss matched a 2009 U of L loss at 

Notre Dame for the worst defeat by a Rick Pitino-coached team in at least the last 

15 years.