By THE STAR STAFF
Cataño’s Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo declared on Wednesday the commencement of the first phase of the Cosme Beitía Sálamo Coliseum’s reconstruction, featuring a total federal funding exceeding $8.1 million.
“Today marks the beginning of the enhancement of this venue, which will represent the revitalization of our community,” stated Alicea Vasallo in a press release. “We are dedicated to executing this initiative comprehensively and effectively, to provide the residents of Cataño with a top-tier coliseum.”
The first stage, with an initial allocation of nearly half a million dollars, covers the partial demolition of the coliseum, a process expected to be completed in around three months. The concluding construction, planned for the first half of 2025, entails a contemporary design featuring new seating, refurbished restrooms, an air conditioning system, and upgraded facilities, adhering to the standards of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency (COR3) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The mayor highlighted that since taking office in 2021, his administration has been devoted to redesigning and steering the project, tackling the obstacles that had previously hindered its progress. “Thanks to the backing of Governor Pedro Pierluisi, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González, COR3, FEMA, and the contractors, we are realizing this momentous recovery,” he remarked.
