Representative Estrella Martínez urges funding for Santa Isabel interchange study

Representative Estrella Martínez (district 27) used a five‑minute special turn on April 14 to press the House Finance Committee for funding to address safety and traffic problems at the PR‑153/PR‑542 exit in Santa Isabel.

Martínez told the committee a technical study conducted by a private firm supports phased improvements for the exit and nearby intersections, and that the chamber previously approved companion measures in transportation committee processes. She said the area serves local residents and significant economic activity and requested that the Finance Committee consider including $2.2 million in the budget for preliminary design and soft costs so the project can move to final engineering and a subasta (procurement).

Secretary Edwin González Montalvo responded that the project has been studied and is included in requests for soft‑cost funds but that current budget constraints and cuts from the Fiscal Oversight Board mean soft‑cost allocations are limited; he said the department has submitted requests for soft costs and for a larger reprogramming package but that some lines were reduced by the board.

Martínez said short‑term traffic steps (signal retiming and isleta adjustments) could provide interim relief while design funding is secured. The committee did not approve funding during the session; members asked staff and the department for follow‑up documents and a municipal breakdown of requested works.