Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Last week, Puerto Vallarta Mayor Salvador Gonzalez ruled out the rumors regarding the concession spaces on the Malecón, reacting to the false rumors that have emerged on the subject.

Gonzalez reiterated that the project of rehabilitation and remodeling of the Puerto Vallarta Malecón "has not, at any time, considered providing concessions to individuals or businesses in the area, nor making Díaz Ordaz street a pedestrians only zone."

He insisted that the two existing vehicle lanes will be respected, and that the remarks and signs in respect to these works were made by those in opposition of the improvements and are completely false.

"A lot of speculation about this work is being published by the media and on social networks. Actually, we are looking to simply return this area to a more attractive and secure location because of the damage from Hurricane Kenna and the severe damage that was done to the infrastructure and retaining wall. This is a comprehensive project in which the three levels of Government in conjunction with the public, are joining efforts to strengthen Puerto Vallarta," he said.

"The Malecón project," the Mayor continued, "contemplates the construction of storm drains with each one of these having the appropriate capacity to capture rainwater from transversal streets, which has been carried out in a series of hydrological studies that respond to the need for each of the roads."

Also, the level of the Malecón will be unchanged and only will be reinforced with the construction of a retaining wall for protection, which has been deemed necessary due to the corresponding studies in discovering the depths to which these efforts must contain and the stability needed, as well as the features necessary to ensure that it complies with its function as a breakwater.

At the same time, it should be noted that the Malecón's name will not be changed and, when completed, will continue to be a preferred area of recreation for tourists and Vallartenses, retaining the traditional features of Puerto Vallarta, including replacing the previously proposed stamped concrete with natural stone.