Cataño begins reconstruction of coliseum with $8.1 million allocated

The first phase of the project, with an initial investment of almost half a million dollars, includes the partial demolition of the coliseum, a process that will take some three months.

By THE STAR STAFF

Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo announced Wednesday the beginning of the first phase of reconstruction of Cosme Beitía Sálamo Coliseum, with a total federal investment of over $8.1 million.

“Today begins the transformation of this space, which will be a symbol of the rebirth of our town,” Alicea Vasallo said in a written statement. “We are committed to executing this project in an comprehensive and efficient manner, to return to the people of Cataño a first-class coliseum.”

The first phase, with an initial investment of almost half a million dollars, includes the partial demolition of the coliseum, a process that will take some three months. The final work, scheduled for the first half of 2025, includes a modern design with new seats, remodeled bathrooms, an air conditioning system and updated facilities, complying with Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards.

The mayor emphasized that since he took office in 2021, his administration has worked to redesign and direct the project, overcoming the challenges that had prevented its execution. “Thanks to the support of Governor Pedro Pierluisi, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González, COR3, FEMA and the contractors, we are achieving this historic recovery,” he added.