DTOP

In the absence of long-term mitigation and adaptation projects from the government, many roads along Puerto Rico's coastal strip could be vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased flooding.

Eileen Vélez Vega has joined Kimley-Horn, an engineering firm with contracts with two public corporations whose boards of directors she chaired. The firm also worked on the proposed Esencia project for Cabo Rojo.

The construction of the Western Bypass in Mayagüez, along with other commercial developments on the outskirts, has destroyed wetlands and altered the hydrology of ecosystems adjacent to the Caño Boquilla in this municipality, worsening the flooding that continuously affects residents in the El Maní sector.

Nonprofit organizations that rescued closed public schools claim ownership of the properties to give continuity to projects in their communities but the government is moving in the opposite direction.