The approved budget for 2017 includes $5,148 million for works such as the extension to 8 lanes of the bridge-Arraiján Americas and to 6 lanes of the road San Carlos-La Chorrera.

From a statement issued by the Presidency of Panama:

In an extraordinary session held by the Cabinet Council on Friday, approval was given to a Draft State Budget for fiscal year 2017 in the amount of 21.670 billion balboas.

The proposed budget represents an increase 1.544 million balboas compared to the current fiscal year which is 20,126,000 balboas up to December 31, 2016 which includes a salary increase for teachers, health sector and police force workers in the order of 330 million balboas.

President Juan Carlos Varela said that in 2017 the budget was defined according to investment priorities and operation of its administration and priority was also given to flagship projects to meet the needs of the most vulnerable population. “Areas such as education, health, social investments, urban mobility and justice were prioritized,” said the Head of State.