Ports Authority, Fajardo sign pact to renew ferry terminal

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia announced on Monday the signing of a contract between the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and the Municipality of Fajardo for the lease and operation of the old ferry terminal, with the goal of promoting economic development in the region.

“This agreement promotes the economic and tourism development of the eastern region, revitalizing a key facility that was in disuse,” Pierluisi said in a written statement. “It is a significant step for the local economy and for job creation.”

During the announcement, the governor was accompanied by the Ports Authority Executive Director Joel Pizá Batiz and Fajardo Mayor José Aníbal Meléndez.

The contract has an initial term of 20 years, with possible extensions, and allows the municipality to seek private operators or developers within a period of 24 months. The agreement includes the commitment of the municipality to cover maintenance and insurance costs, in addition to settling a debt of more than $1 million with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).