Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has approved a reform to the organic law of the Atlantic Coast Port Administration and Economic Development Board (JAPDEVA), allowing the agency to establish partnerships for infrastructure projects such as the proposed Limón marina and cruise terminal. The bill passed in its second and final reading and now awaits the executive branch’s signature before becoming law.
The reform authorises JAPDEVA to enter into partnerships for infrastructure, trade and technology projects, as well as other initiatives within its remit. It aims to attract investment, strengthen the agency’s financial sustainability, create jobs and support economic activity across the region.
The legislation follows changes made after earlier drafts were criticised for not clearly defining oversight and accountability measures for projects on land administered by JAPDEVA, according to CR Hoy. The final version introduces additional safeguards and allows development under a clearer legal framework.
Following approval, the Municipality of Limón said on social media that the legislation will mark a turning point for the province, which has been “unjustly neglected, discriminated against and deceived for decades”. It added that the framework will allow waterfront developments that could include hotels, apartments, restaurants, markets and boulevards, as well as the proposed marina.
The municipality also said the wider project could generate more than 20,000 jobs and that the government plans to renovate Limón airport as part of broader tourism and commercial development. It added that an investment of more than $850 million USD has already attracted interest from around 10 companies seeking to develop the project in partnership with JAPDEVA.
