Resident Commissioner breaks ground on $14 million Child Development and Youth Center

San Juan, Puerto Rico- Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón participated today in the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new Fort Buchanan Child Development Center and Youth Center, as part of the military base's capital improvement projects.

The facility will count with an investment of over $14 million dollars and would be the first center of its kind in any other U.S. Armed Forces station.

The congresswoman reaffirmed her full support for Fort Buchanan: ""Puerto Rico must keep attracting specialized missions that allow continued investment in developing our facilities. Use of the Post for security and readiness training makes us become better positioned for that purpose. I will continue to defend Fort Buchanan and to seek funds for its improvement projects; I want to recognize the work of all the personnel involved, but I must especially distinguish the leadership and effectiveness of Colonel Michael Harvey who will complete his tour as Commanding Officer at Buchanan at the end of this month. His vision, commitment and dedication have made possible that millions in investment be obtained, as had not been seen in years."

The Child Development Center, which will accommodate 180 children, will include classrooms, fenced playgrounds, individualized development play areas, game equipment, storage, reception and administrative areas, laundry, staff offices with fire protection, isolation rooms, and alarm and information systems. The facility will also include a Youth Development Center for ages up to 18, which would make the Puerto Rico center the first of its kind.

The building will be accessible to the disabled in full compliance with ADA design standards, and also compliant with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to withstand winds of 145 mph and Zone 3 seismic resistance standards.