The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, has awarded a $1.68 million emergency contract to construct a temporary levee in Yauco, Puerto Rico, as part of its recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Maria.
According to the Corps, the contract was awarded to BIM Contractors, LLC of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
The project calls for construction of a temporary levee along a portion of the Yauco River to reduce flood risk for people living and working around the municipality of Yauco.
Communities and farmlands near the river, including roadways, a police station and recreational facilities, were severely damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Maria in September.
“ This is important work for the people of Yauco ,” said Maj. Alexander Walker-Rodriguez, Jacksonville District Deputy Commander for the Antilles . “ The contract calls for constructing a temporary levee in a portion of the south bank of the river that had eroded away. This will help reduce flood risk in the area.”
USACE anticipates the levee construction to be completed within three weeks.