Three Northern Puerto Rico Mayors Propose Rio Camuy Cave Park Reopening Plan
Camuy, Hatillo and Lares seek to transfer ownership to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and launch a public-private partnership to rehabilitate the site and share revenues.
PhotoThe short version
- The Weekly Journal reported that Sen. Héctor “Gaby” González López endorsed the initiative led by the mayors of Camuy, Hatillo and Lares
- El Nuevo Día reported the three mayors called for transferring ownership of the park to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and starting a PPP process
- The plan includes a revenue-sharing arrangement giving each municipality an equal share of certain taxes and $2 from every admission ticket
- Local residents would fill unskilled positions and artisans would receive free concession space under a rotation system
Mayors Unite on Redevelopment Proposal
The mayors of Camuy, Hatillo and Lares have jointly proposed transferring ownership and administration of Rio Camuy Cave Park to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. They also seek a public-private partnership for the rehabilitation and expansion of the park. The Weekly Journal reported the initiative emerged from an Oct. 8 meeting and was approved by the three municipal legislatures on Oct. 15.
Sen. Héctor “Gaby” González López, who represents the Arecibo District, endorsed the plan. The senator chairs the Senate Committee on Planning, Permits, Infrastructure and Urban Development and pledged to work with the governor and agencies to advance the municipalities’ requests. El Nuevo Día reported the mayors called for the transfer and PPP to promote rehabilitation and development as a tourist destination.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Puerto Rico beach and surf conditions
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
This is an important step for the Arecibo District and for Puerto Rico.
The source's own statement, as quoted by The Weekly Journal. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Revenue Sharing and Local Benefits
The proposal calls for the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority to begin a competitive procurement process under Act 29 of June 8, 2009, supported by an updated feasibility study. It would allow rehabilitation, expanded concessions, ecotourism lodging and compatible attractions. The Weekly Journal reported the plan includes equal distribution among the three towns of municipal license taxes along with the municipal share of sales and use taxes.
Each municipality would receive $2 from every admission ticket. In exchange, they would maintain green areas along Highway PR-129 in their jurisdictions. Construction-related taxes would go to the municipality where projects occur. The plan prioritizes hiring local residents for unskilled positions and provides free concession space to local artisans on a rotation basis. Each town would also manage its own pavilion at the Tres Pueblos sinkhole.
Environmental and Approval Requirements
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources would retain environmental protection responsibilities. Any agreement with a private operator must undergo review and discussion by representatives from all three municipal governments before approval, covering financial terms, investment commitments, admission prices, benefits and conservation provisions. The Weekly Journal reported the proposal seeks to ensure local residents and businesses benefit from the reopening.
Where the sources differ
The Weekly Journal and El Nuevo Día largely agree on the core elements of the proposal, the three mayors involved, the requested transfer to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and the push for a public-private partnership. The Weekly Journal provides more details on the revenue-sharing structure, the $6 per ticket allocation, local hiring and artisan provisions, the Oct. 8 and Oct. 15 dates, and multiple quotes from Sen. González. El Nuevo Día’s partial report focuses on the mayors’ joint call and the basic transfer and PPP request without the financial specifics.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state the current status of the park, when it closed, the estimated cost of rehabilitation, the amount of private investment sought, or a timeline for the competitive procurement process or reopening. They also do not indicate the governor’s or the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s position on the proposal.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Rio Camuy Cave Park Reopening Plan Targets Investment
- Reporting Rio Camuy Cave Park Reopening Plan Targets Investment
- Reporting Three Puerto Rico mayors join forces to boost development of Río Camuy Cave Park
How we checked this
The Weekly Journal published the most comprehensive account, including specific revenue mechanisms and Sen. González’s full endorsement. El Nuevo Día reported the mayors’ unified call for transfer and a PPP. All details on dates, ticket allocations, hiring priorities and approval steps rest on the Weekly Journal account.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.