DRNA plans digital permitting, marbete platform and GIS to speed licences and boost revenues

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources outlined technology and permitting reforms at a May 2 hearing before the House Finance Committee, telling lawmakers it expects digital platforms to speed permits, reduce backlogs and raise own-source revenue.

Secretary Waldermar Quiles Pérez said DRNA intends to adapt an islandwide digital platform to issue vessel marbetes remotely so owners will not need to visit DRNA offices in person. The agency also described a proposed GIS platform that would consolidate permits, enforcement data, assets (including boats and patrol units) and recovery-project information in a single, searchable interface.

Financial and process points discussed: - DRNA reported own-source revenue projected around $48,000,000 and said the modernization program is intended to increase collections by reducing process friction and improving enforcement and compliance. - The department is negotiating with the Office of Management and Budget (OGP) for an appropriation to cover contracting costs; the agency said it will evaluate proposed vendors and then estimate return on investment before final procurement. - Committee members noted that speeding permits must not weaken environmental oversight; the secretary and DRNA staff said the digital reforms will be paired with additional personnel in permitting and tighter supervision.

Why it matters: Backlogs and slow permitting have been a recurring complaint from representatives. DRNA’s plan pairs modest headcount increases for permits (part of a 55-position request the agency said is budgeted) with digital tools intended to streamline permitting and increase transparency. The agency agreed to produce cost proposals and ROI estimates for committee review.