06 Dec AGC-PR and USACE Announce Multi-Billion Dollar Puerto Rico Infrastructure Projects

DDD Group is excited about the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recent announcement of its plans to award over $1 billion in contracts for canalization, flood control, and ecosystem restoration projects in Puerto Rico. This significant investment, the largest for next year, will profoundly impact the island’s economy and infrastructure. Humberto Donato, President of DDD Group and a Board Member of the Association of General Contractors, Puerto Rico chapter (AGC-PR)., attended and was part of the panel that presented the list of projects unveiled by USACE that became available first-hand to some 70 members of the AGC-PR chapter.

As USACE representatives unveiled the details of these transformative projects, Donato emphasized their importance for Puerto Rico’s future, stating, “These initiatives will not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance the island’s resilience. The effect of this investment is exponential on the island.” Donato, a former president of AGC-PR, explains that these construction projects will advance ongoing critical infrastructure projects, flood control systems, and drinking water and create well-paid and multi-year jobs. “We are talking about decades of investment and work,” he added.

For his part, current AGC-PR President Jose Ortiz adds: “The island has the capacity, expertise, and knowledge. Over the years, our contractors’ skills have been refined. Together, with the Corps of Engineers, we will improve and work as partners to complete these projects in the best way possible.”

Colonel Charles Decker, commander of the USACE Caribbean District, presented the priority projects and offered details of the works called “The Fantastic Four” within the military corps’s construction unit. “It’s the four major construction contracts that we plan to award this year, worth approximately $1 billion,” he said.

The La Plata River flood risk management project, which affects the Dorado and Toa Baja municipalities, will require awarding a contract for construction works and another to relocate a section of the North Superaqueduct. The contracts are estimated to be published in February 2025 and will be between $250 million and $500 million. The Puerto Nuevo River flood risk management project in San Juan enters its third construction phase. It is expected to open to bidding in March of next year, with an estimated amount between $250 million and $500 million.

Meanwhile, Phase 1 of contract number three of the Caño Martín Peña ecosystem restoration project will be published that same month. The work in that phase is estimated to cost between $100 million and $250 million. Finally, the second contract for the Rio Grande de Arecibo flood risk management project is expected to be awarded by spring 2025. It is estimated to cost between $250 million and $500 million.

In addition to the “fantastic 4,” engineer Crespo highlighted that USACE is simultaneously carrying out many other projects in Puerto Rico, from planning to design and construction. As with most federal projects, the USACE adheres to very strict safety and quality control requirements. Several AGC-PR members are already working closely with these federal agencies. Still, many more can acquire the skills to work on these contracts by training. These projects also allow engineering students to be driven to maintain their career pursuits, now having an excellent opportunity to refine their skills. 

“We are proud to be part of this historic effort to revitalize Puerto Rico’s infrastructure,” said Donato, “As federal contractors, we are all contributing our experience and knowledge to support the AGC and USACE so that these projects can be carried out successfully for the benefit of the industry and Puerto Rico.”

By leveraging its expertise and resources, DDD Group is poised to play a vital role in shaping Puerto Rico’s future and ensuring the successful completion of these transformative projects. Our company’s strong track record in federal contracting and deep understanding of the local market position will contribute to the success of USACE’s initiatives. Read the full press article about this initiative below.