Daily Edition: San José, Costa Rica, May 22,  2003

Confusion Continues at Dundee Ranch
At the request of Prosecutor Fernando Vargas, the Child Welfare Agency (PANI) is traveling to the Pacific-slope town of Orotina this morning to ensure the safety of the 200 troubled teens living at the controversial U.S.-run behavior modification facility Dundee Ranch Academy.
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C.R. Attempts to Speed up Extradition Case
Three years after the Costa Rican government filed an extradition request in Canadian for accused Tico embezzler Jorge Martínez, President Abel Pacheco this week wrote a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien asking that the process be moved along.
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Plans for New Highways Unveiled
Public Works and Transport Minister Javier Chaves this week unveiled the government's plans to build several major new highways and increase the funding to maintain rural roads.
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May 22

Folklore Show by the Macehuatl Folklore Ballet of Nicaragua
Enjoy the folklore of Nicaragua. At 7 p.m., at the Melico Salazar Theater, Av. 2/Ctrl., Ca. Ctrl. Info: 221-4952.

Parenting Group in Guachepelin de Escazu
Offers the workshop "Creating a Higher Consciousness in Family Life," for 4 weeks, starting today. Give yourself and your family the gift of a Joyful and Harmonious Life! Facilitated by Margaret Sheehan, Psychotherapist with over 3000 hours experience. $50. For info, call 228-8244 or email margaret_sheehan@msn.com.

Today Great Opening of "Matrix Reloaded"
Go to the closest theater and enjoy one of the most awaited films of Hollywood starting today at San Pedro Mall at 1, 3, 6:30, 9:10 p.m. and 1:45, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 p.m. At Cariari Mall (two theaters) 1, 1:40, 3:40, 4:25, 6:30, 7:10, 9:10, 9:45 p.m. At Mall Internacional at 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. Plaza Mayor, at 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. Colonial at 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. Magaly, at 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. Omni, at 1, 3:40, 6:20, 9 p.m. San Carlos Mall, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10; Paraiso Mall, 1, 3:40, 6:30, 9:10 p.m. Liberia Mall, at 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. Info: at Magaly Movie Chain at223-0085, 221-6272. Also at Cinemark in Escazú, call 288-1111 for schedules.

Confusion Continues at Dundee Ranch
By Tim Rogers
trogers@ticotimes.net

Plans for New Highways Unveiled
By Fabián Borges
Tico Times Staff

Public Works and Transport Minister Javier Chaves this week unveiled the government's plans to build several major new highways and increase the funding to maintain rural roads.

"There are several important projects the government has been promising to build during the last 30 years, but never gotten around to," Chaves said. "Up until now, no government had the resources, organization and willingness to build them."

The Public Works and Transport Ministry's (MOPT) top priority is to complete the Costanera Sur Highway in the Southern Zone, he said.

The project will cost $80 million -- the National Roadway Council (CONAVI) will pay $20 million up front, the remaining $60 million will be financed using a loan from the Central American Economic Integration Bank (BCIE). Work on the highway will begin during next year's dry season and is expected to take two years.

"This road will shorten the minimum distance between the country's northern and southern borders by 118 kilometers," he explained. "Large trucks traveling from border to border will no longer have to go through the Central Valley."

"This will also help reduce traffic and pollution in San José," he said.

The second major road the government plans to build will be the Naranjo-Florencia highway in the Northern Zone. This $75 million project -- partially funded by the Taiwanese government -- involves building 11 bridges and will take about six years, he said.

Negotiations between the companies in charge of building the long-awaited road connecting San José with the Pacific Port of Caldera are nearly complete. Chaves expects the final contract will be signed and ratified by the Comptroller General's Office in July. Work is expected to begin sometime this year.

Plans are also under way to expand the road that connects San José with the coffee town of San Ramón via Juan Santamaría International Airport. The road from La Sabana to the airport will be expanded to six lanes. From the airport to Manolo's the road will be expanded to four lanes. The remainder of the way to San Ramón will be repaved and expanded to three lanes.

MOPT also plans to tackle San José's traffic problems by finishing the rotundas around the city -- a project it started nearly 20 years ago. Work on a four-lane road connecting the Guadalupe and La Uruca rotundas could begin in the next two years, he said.

There are also plans to build bridges similar to the one over the Parque de la Paz rotunda on the rotundas that lead to the southern suburbs. Finishing the rotundas and building the bridges will cost $70 million.

This government plans to continue increasing the funding granted to the country's rural roads each year. In 2002, the government invested $12.1 million in rural roads. In 2003 it will increase the amount to $32.5 million and to almost $50 million in 2004, he said.

"The rural road network serves the country's poorest and most rural communities," Chaves noted. "Creating opportunities for everyone is one of this administration's top priorities. By improving these roads, we're working to make this happen."