This EDA investment supports the municipality of jayuya with constructing a municipal asphalt plant, to be the first municipal plant of its class in puerto rico

The Economic Development Administration awarded a $11.25 million Project Grant to the Municipality of Jayuya, Puerto Rico under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (CFDA 11.307) federal grant program. The funding will support construction of Puerto Rico's first municipal asphalt plant in Jayuya to serve the central mountainous region's road maintenance needs. The plant will help keep regional roads in optimal condition, which is critical to business continuity. Increased pharmaceutical production during the COVID-19 pandemic has strained the region's ability to satisfy demand due to topographical challenges and deteriorated roads. Completion of the asphalt plant by November 2024 will have long-term economic benefits through bolstered job creation, private investment, and economic resiliency for two companies and the region overall.

The new plant will serve the center mountainous region of puerto rico by helping to keep the roads in optimal conditions, which is a critical factor for the continuity of business in the region. The covid-19 pandemic has forced the local pharmaceutical industry to increase its normal production and due to its topography and deteriorated roads, the region has struggled to satisfy the demand to continue operations. Once completed, the project will have a long-term economic impact and benefit two companies, which will bolster job creation, spur private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.