The Arias administration is about to send a $70 million proposal to the Asamblea Legislativa to transform the city of Limón into a regional center of economic growth.

The project hinges on a $70 million loan from the World Bank, which needs legislative approval.

“Limón is not just Carnival, violence and drug addiction,” said  Yalile Esna, a lawmaker representing the province.

The plan proposes to create more jobs, improve the infrastructure and change the environment, which is run down.

Marco Vargas, the coordinator of government institutions, said he was almost ready to send the measure to lawmakers. The planning had been done with a grant from the Japanese government.

Limón has always been the nation’s stepchild, in part because most residents there are Afro-Caribbean and not descendants of European settlers.

The city revolves around the port where Caribbean cruise ships visit each year. But there is little for tourists to do in the city. Most are bused to Central Valley sites. Part of the plan is to promote small businesses that are involved with the port operation in some way.