Governor enhances powers of central towns in territorial planning

Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi signed three crucial documents enhancing the powers of several central towns to determine their territorial and economic planning, according to a La Fortaleza statement Sunday.

He created the Cordillera Consortium, the first Territorial Order Plan (POT) of Patillas, and the Comprehensive Review of the Territorial Order Plans of the municipalities of Aguada, Toa Baja, and Camuy. With the Agreement for the Transfer of Powers in Hierarchies I and II to the Cordillera Consortium, made up of the municipalities of Naranjito, Orocovis, and Corozal, these three municipalities in the central and mountainous area of the island achieve a partnership that allows them to grant permits in accordance with the delegated powers.

In addition, this municipal integration will facilitate planning issues in the region when it comes to enacting, reviewing, and implementing its Territorial Planning, Economic Development, Transportation, and Mitigation Plans. The governor also approved the Regulation for Municipal Territorial Planning, which creates a key regulatory framework for the planning and territorial development of municipalities in Puerto Rico.