Above: La Fortaleza in Puerto Rico (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla has signed an order establishing a new advisory commission on the construction industry.

The nine-member commission will work with the private sector on the “socioeconomic impact analysis of public policy decisions, laws and regulations” that affect the industry, according to a release from Padilla’s office.

Padilla made the announcement during a the swearing in and inauguration of the new board of directors of the Association of General Contractors of America.

The Governor said the commission would help with the “flow” of dialogue and help to develop consensus among the main components of the industry and their related governmental entities.

Garcia said he would also be working to extend the programme to encourage the purchase of new homes and the creation of a new grant programme for families without homes to acquire “social housing,” among other initiatives.