Photo By Jennifer Garcia | Brigadier General Daniel Hibner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division...... read more read more
San Juan, Puerto Rico - With the purpose of attending strategic events that will accelerate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission in Puerto Rico, Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, commander of the South Atlantic Division, visited the island earlier this month. Hibner signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue Bridge Replacement Construction Project, visited several active projects, and sat down with local media to discuss the recently created Caribbean District and its mission.
Embracing Innovation at San Juan Harbor
Hibner’s first stop was the San Juan Harbor Project Site. In April 2024, USACE Caribbean District launched a new phase of the dredging and deepening project aimed at upgrading the harbor to accommodate the demands of the growing global and local economy.
“These projects are designed to enhance the quality of life for Puerto Rico’s residents,” said Hibner. “USACE will contribute our resources, knowledge, and expertise to ensure these projects are completed efficiently and effectively.”
Aboard the DB Avalon, Hibner was briefed on the vessel's capabilities and observed firsthand how it extracts marine soil. The project is progressing well and is expected to be completed in October 2024.
Partnerships for Infrastructure Development
Recognizing USACE capabilities and expertise, leaders from the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), reached out to USACE to establish a memorandum of understanding that would support PREPA in developing and managing dam, reservoir, irrigation canal, and hydroelectric generation projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hibner signed the agreement alongside Eng. Josué Colón Ortiz, Executive Director of PREPA.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the technical capability, equipment, personnel, and extensive experience required for these systems, as well as the expertise to develop these projects,” highlighted Colón Ortiz.
“By securing USACE services, the public corporation ensures that projects will meet the latest industry standards, technologies, and federal agency procedures,” Colón Ortiz emphasized.
Among the projects under this agreement are upgrades to the Patillas Dam, which provides potable water for 100,000 residents and supplies water to the AES Power Plant, as well as improvements to the public irrigation system from Patillas to Salinas and the Guayabal Dam.
Groundbreaking and Military Construction
Hibner also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue Bridge Replacement, alongside Congresswoman Jenniffer González. This $150.7 million construction project, funded by the Bipartisan Act of 2018, is the first contract awarded under the Caribbean District structure.
“We are excited about the start of this crucial flood risk reduction contract, which is a key component of a larger project benefiting San Juan,” Hibner stated.
The project scope includes replacing the existing bridge with a wider two-span structure to improve flow and reduce debris accumulation. It involves widening and deepening the existing channel with drilled shaft walls, demolishing the current structure, and adding new stormwater inlets for drainage.
The construction project is expected to create about 100 direct jobs and 300 indirect jobs over its anticipated four-and-a-half-year duration.
True to his motto of mission accomplishment, Hibner also visited two military construction projects on the island to oversee the progress on them. The first was the Army Family Housing Project at Fort Buchanan, where he was updated on efforts to deliver modern, twenty-six energy-efficient homes and neighborhood amenities that ensure safety, resilience, and comfort for service members. Enhancing the quality of life for service members remains a top Army priority.
The second visit was the Camp Santiago Joint Training Center in Salinas, a $330 million project aimed at boosting regional strategic readiness for National Guard forces.
Recognizing Excellence
During his visit, Hibner recognized the outstanding work of several Caribbean District team members. At both the district headquarters and various project sites, he praised their work ethic and presented them with coins of excellence.
Congratulations to:
Carmen Martir, Executive Office
Yesenia Franqui, Construction
Wilberto Cubero, Military/Interagency and International Services
Lyan García, Project Management
Jesús Acosta, Construction
José Bermúdez, Project Management
Emily Rivera, Project Management
Rhoda Moreno, Construction
Misael Cortijo, Construction
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2024 16:19 |
| Story ID: | 480842 |
| Location: | SAN JUAN, PR |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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