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Senate committee hears ATI and Planning Board on bill to spur trade with U.S. Virgin Islands
Summary
The Senate commission considered Proyecto del Senado 1201, which would amend Law 153-2002 to create special development zones for Vieques and Culebra, commission multiple viability studies (including a proposed Culebra–St. Thomas maritime route), and fund local projects through lodging-related levies; agencies agreed on the need for studies but the Planning Board warned the bill risks infringing municipal planning authority.
The Senate commission on strategic projects and energy heard technical testimony on Proyecto del Senado 1201 and asked two agencies to supply follow-up materials within five business days.
Iliana Reyes Lora, legal adviser and interim deputy director of the Autoridad de Transporte Integrado (ATI), told the commission that “el artículo trece de este proyecto dispone en su inciso b, que se autoriza al departamento de transportación y obras públicas a preparar un estudio de viabilidad para el establecimiento de una ruta de carga de transporte marítimo y de pasajeros entre Culebras y San Thomas.” She said ATI supports a feasibility study and listed elements the study should evaluate, including terminal modifications to meet federal rules, vessel availability and speed, crew availability, tariff design, and fiscal implications if the government were to operate or subsidize the route.
ATI representatives said some vessels in the Commonwealth inventory are currently in service while others are under…
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