In a recent meeting held by the Puerto Rico Department of State, significant discussions centered around the future of tourism and infrastructure in the region, particularly in the wake of past hurricanes. One of the key topics was the collaboration with the Department of Tourism to finalize ongoing projects, which have been in development since 2020. The department highlighted the importance of federal funding in supporting these initiatives, especially given the extensive costs associated with proposed measures, estimated at a conservative $6.3 billion.

The meeting also addressed the current state of national parks and recreational facilities across Puerto Rico. Officials reported that many parks, which suffered damage from Hurricane Maria, are undergoing renovations, with some projects already completed and open to the public. However, there are concerns regarding the pace of repairs and the transfer of facilities to municipalities for better management. The discussion emphasized the need for more efficient partnerships with local governments to expedite the reopening of these facilities for community use.

Another critical point raised was the future of the Mayagüez Zoo, which has been entirely vacated of animals. Plans are underway to transform the site into an ecological park, with designs expected to be completed by 2025. This shift reflects a broader strategy to enhance public spaces and promote environmental awareness.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Puerto Rico's tourism and infrastructure sectors. As the administration works to address these issues, the focus remains on leveraging federal support and fostering local partnerships to ensure that the community can enjoy improved facilities and services in the near future.