Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works ... - DTOP

Unified Work ProgramFiscal Year 2010-2011II.ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENTA. Department of Transportation and Public WorksEffective January 12, 1973 and as authorized by PlanNumber 6 for the Reorganization of the Executive Branchof the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department ofPublic Works was reorganized and renamed theDepartment of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW),becoming the central government agency responsible fortransportation programs for the Commonwealth of PuertoRico. As part of this Reorganization Plan, the HighwayAuthority (HA), the Ports Authority (PA) and theMetropolitan Bus Authority (MBA) were ascribed to theDTPW. In 1989, the PA became separate entity.On March 6, 1991, the Governor signed Law Number 1which changed the name of the Highway Authority to thePuerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA)and widened its responsibilities to include transit planning,promotion and development. Within the SJUA, the PRHTAis also empowered to contract the operation of publictransportation services. Law Number 1 of 1991 alsocontemplated the development of a StatewideTransportation Plan, which presents the public policies andstrategies related to transportation and serves as a guidefor public and private activities. This plan was preparedtogether with the participation of the TransportationAdvisory Board and provided for a public hearing process.It was received, considered, and endorsed by all MPOmembers and then sent to the Governor for final approval.The Secretary of the DTPW is responsible for the planning,development, coordination, and administration of alltransportation activities. He formulates the general policyfor surface, air, and water transportation for theCommonwealth of Puerto Rico and recommendsprograms, projects, and other measures which will meetthe Island’s needs regarding transportation services andfacilities to be adopted by the Governor and/or theLegislative Assembly. Soundly formulated public policypromotes the development of an integrated, efficient andsafe transportation system that will expedite thedevelopment of the economy and improve the generalwelfare and safety of citizens. The DTWP continuallyevaluates and studies transportation problems.The authorities attached to the DTPW operate as publiccorporations, which provide them with fiscal autonomyand administrative flexibility. Their functions areformulated under policies adopted by the Secretary ofDTPW. Similarly, programs are planned and coordinatedunder the guidance of the Assistant Secretary for Planning.Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA)Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Page 5