Millions in Funding for Southern Zone Unspent
ALTHOUGH the nation’s SouthernZone is desperate for improvements ininfrastructure and job creation, and theregion’s development association has ¢10billion ($21.46 million) to spend, theassociation’s failure to comply with legalrequirements means it will not be able touse the funds this year.The Comptroller General’s Officedid not approve this year’s budget fromthe Southern Zone RegionalDevelopment Board (JUDESUR)because of legal, constitutional and technicalproblems, the daily La Naciónreported.Last year, although JUDESUR’s budgetincluded ¢1.185 billion ($2.54 million)for loans, by December, the organizationhad only used ¢380 million($815,451) – 36% of the budgetedamount.In addition, JUDESUR has not yetrebuilt 11 stores that burned down in theDepósito Libre, a duty-free shopping zonein the southern Pacific port city ofGolfito, in April 2001, or two more thatburned in January 2003, according to thedaily.The Depósito is the source ofJUDESUR’s funds. The organizationreceives money collected through an 18%sales tax on all goods sold in the zone.
You may be interested

Bikes have a right to the road, MOPT reminds
The Tico Times - March 1, 2021The Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) is reminding drivers that cyclists have a right to the road. In a…

One plane’s 21-hour journey from Costa Rica to Australia
Alejandro Zúñiga - March 1, 2021The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the aviation industry. Anyone who has recently flown through Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría…

March 2021: These are Costa Rica’s coronavirus measures this month
Alejandro Zúñiga - March 1, 2021Happy March! These are Costa Rica's coronavirus restrictions this month: Travel and borders Costa Rica is welcoming tourists who arrive…