Posted on October 6, 2025
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Caribbean District awarded a $57.4 million contract to Novel Construction LLC for the dredging of the first portion of the Caño Martín Peña Ecosystem Restoration Project, from the San Jose Lagoon to Barbosa Bridge. At its completion, the Caño Martín Peña Ecosystem Restoration Project will re-establish the tidal connection between the San Jose Lagoon and the San Juan Bay with the goal to improve overall conditions for benthic habitat, mangrove communities and open water habitat.
The Caño Martín Peña Project Contract 3 Phase 1 includes the site development of part of Ciudad Deportiva Roberto Clemente for Material Management Area; preparation of the aquatic disposal pits at San Jose Lagoon (SJL); preparation of 3,000 meters-long access channel across SJL; bridge fenders at Moscoso Bridge; dredging of 450 meters-long transition channel; dredging of 900 meters-long main channel including steel sheet pile walls with concrete cap; and Barbosa Bridge rip rap scour protection.
“I am pleased to announce that Contract 3 Phase 1 for the Caño Martín Peña Project has been awarded to Novel Construction LLC,” said Col. Charles L. Decker, commander of the Caribbean District. “This project is a landmark investment in Puerto Rico’s future, directly benefiting eight underserved communities and restoring environmental health to one of San Juan’s most vital urban waterways. We are proud to stand alongside our Non-Federal Sponsors, La Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, whose leadership and collaboration have been instrumental in reaching this important milestone.”
This milestone also drew powerful responses from community leaders whose decades of advocacy helped bring the Caño Martín Peña project to life, with the awarding of Contract 3 Phase 1 marking a major step forward in the restoration effort.
“We are very pleased to receive the news of the award of Phase 1 of Contract #3 for the dredging of the Martín Peña Channel, said Mario Núñez Mercado, Executive Director of ENLACE. “We continue to make steady progress with the Caño Martín Peña Ecosystem Restoration Project. The communities are delighted with the award of this third contract.”
Lucy M. Cruz Rivera, President, Grupo de las Ocho Comunidades Aledañas al Caño Martín Peña, Inc. (G-8) said, “We are more than jubilant not only for the community leaders but for all the residents of the communities along the Caño Martín Peña. This will be a ripple effect as it not only brings us health but benefits all the water bodies that connect to the Caño.”
“We, the residents, are very happy with this news because we see that, little by little, we are reaching our goal, which is the dredging of the Caño,” said Evelyn Quiñones, President, Junta de Acción Comunitaria de Bitumul e Israel, Inc. (G-8). “Thanks to all the people who have been waiting for this to be achieved. We’re moving forward!”
Aileen Morales Rivera, Vice President of the G-8 and President of Asociación Pro-Bienestar Parada 27, Inc. (G-8) said, “This achievement represents the result of the past 20 years of community fight and is proof of what an organized and united community can accomplish.”
The contract was awarded to Novel Construction LLC on September 30, 2025. Work is scheduled to begin in January 2026 with an expected construction duration of three years and nine months.
