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On Tuesday, District 24 Representative Ángel “Tito” Fourquet Cordero and District 25 Representative Domingo Torres García urged Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia to prioritize legislation concerning the transfer of Mercedita International Airport to the Ponce Port Authority during the upcoming special session he plans to convene following the election.
The lawmakers’ appeal follows the governor’s veto of House Bill 1617 in October and, as they concurred, reflects the airport’s significance for the economic and social development of Ponce and surrounding areas, facilitating passenger transport, merchandise movement, and providing a secure air terminal that underpins local business and manufacturing enterprises.
“This transfer is crucial for the city’s future and the southern regions because of its economic implications and beneficial influence on social growth,” stated Fourquet Cordero. “With the electoral process concluded and the pressures from political factions, which were apparent previously, the governor now has a chance to approach this matter with the impartiality and urgency it demands. It is vital to take this significant step to promote sustainable development in our communities and enhance the transportation infrastructure in Ponce.”
Following the veto of the bill facilitating the airport’s transfer, the governor enacted an executive order to form a committee tasked with studying the situation and providing a report within 180 days, a timeframe that surpasses the limits of his term.
Torres García reported that he communicated with Pierluisi, asking for an extraordinary session and for the airport transfer matter to be included in the session’s agenda.
“Although we are aware the governor vetoed the proposal, we implore him to reconsider the formation of a committee,” he remarked. “This measure is inadequate and would hinder the orderly process we are pursuing for the transfer. Should it not be included in the session, we will appeal to the governor-elect, Jenniffer González Colón, to prioritize this bill. We are prepared to reintroduce the legislation, and we anticipate the support of the NPP [New Progressive Party] majority taking office in January 2025. The incoming Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carlos Méndez Núñez, has expressed his support for transferring Mercedita Airport to the Port Authority of Ponce.”
