Diario Libre reports that government minister Eduardo Selman says that the government is still supporting the construction of the artificial island that would face the Malecon of Santo Domingo. Architect Selman told Diario Libre that the project is just waiting for President Fernandez to set the date to sign the approval of the authorization to build in front of Santo Domingo. The project that calls for the construction of skyscrapers and hotels is known as Isla Nuevo Mundo 21, “a city in the sea”. Selman said that the artificial island does not have to be submitted to further discussions. He said that the project implementation would start six months after the contract is signed. The island calls for the erecting of a million meters in front of the Malecon area where most hotels are located. Selman argues that it will not obstruct the sea view, “On the contrary, it will provide an urban view to the Malecon.” The artificial island is opposed by the Santo Domingo Hotel Association. Selman says that the Malecon of Santo Domingo will benefit by an urban renewal process of US$50 million that will be made by the buildings of the island. Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill is behind the private initiative. The initiative calls for an investment of US$450 million over a 10-year period.