H.R. 3814: To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of coastal erosion on tourism and other businesses in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.

This bill, titled the "Puerto Rico Business & Economic Assessment of Coastal Hazards and Erosion Study Act" or "Puerto Rico BEACHES Act," aims to conduct a comprehensive study on the effects of coastal erosion in Puerto Rico. Here are the key components of the bill:

Study on Coastal Erosion

The bill mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to:

• Conduct a study that evaluates how coastal erosion—such as the loss of beaches, dunes, and wetlands—affects tourism, fisheries, and various businesses in Puerto Rico's coastal areas.
• Submit a report to Congress detailing the findings of the study.

Coordination and Consultation

In performing the study, the Comptroller General must work together with relevant local agencies, including:

• The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
• The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development
• The Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Report Requirements

The report produced must include recommendations on:

• How to address environmental factors that may be impacting businesses in the affected coastal areas.
• Solutions for challenges faced by industries due to erosion.

Definition of Coastal Area

The term "coastal area" is defined to include:

• Coastal wetlands or watersheds
• Coastal waters
• Coastal bays
• Coastlines
• Estuaries and associated uplands

Overall, this legislation focuses on understanding the implications of coastal erosion on economic activities in Puerto Rico and developing strategies to mitigate its impacts.

Relevant Companies

None found