Governor signs measure exempting towns from paying demolition fees

House Bill 229, now Act 15-2025, exempts municipalities from the obligation to pay the fees established by the Puerto Rico Excavation and Demolition Coordination Center Act.

By The Star Staff

In an effort to alleviate the financial burden on municipalities and ensure proper enforcement of existing legislation, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has signed a legislative measure amending Sections 5, 12, and 15 of Act 267-1998, known as the Puerto Rico Excavation and Demolition Coordination Center Act.

House Bill 229, authored by Rep. Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló and now designated as Act 15-2025, exempts municipalities from the obligation to pay the fees established by the law. Additionally, it aligns the law with the provisions of Act No. 107-2020, aiming to rectify provisions that impose significant financial burdens on municipalities, allowing for fairer economic management.

The Excavation and Demolition Coordination Center Act established a system to protect underground facilities and created the Single Call System to ensure that operators receive timely notification of excavation or demolition activities. However, despite having fulfilled the initial contribution required by Act 267-1998, Regulation 7245 has imposed additional annual fees without an explicit legislative mandate, negatively impacting municipalities, most of which do not operate underground facilities.

The governor also approved the reallocation of $30,000 to the Rural Infrastructure and Permanent Improvements Program of the Puerto Rico Land Authority. House Joint Resolution 8, authored by House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, which received the governor’s approval, will now be known as Joint Resolution 5. The initiative aims to strengthen the structural security of the Juan Martín community in Luquillo and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

The allocated funds will be used to construct a gabion wall in Juan Martín Creek to protect the homes in that neighborhood. The Land Authority is authorized to enter into agreements with private contractors and government agencies to ensure the efficient execution of the project. Moreover, the funding may be supplemented with federal, state, or municipal resources to maximize its impact on the community.