FEMA has approved more than $100 million for disaster recovery and resilience projects in Puerto Rico, including repairs to public buildings, roads, utilities and flood-control systems.
The package includes $65 million through Public Assistance, more than $13 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and $1.3 million through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.
Public Assistance funds repairs
The Public Assistance awards include $20.5 million for the Puerto Rico Department of Labor to repair its headquarters after Hurricane Maria and $10.6 million for Caguas to repair the court at the Héctor Solá Bezares Coliseum in the Ángel O. Berríos Sports Complex.
Cayey will receive $4.4 million to repair a municipal road in the Caña Sector damaged by Hurricane Fiona. Another $3.7 million will go to the Puerto Rico Disciples of Christ Church for repairs to facilities in Toa Baja's Valle Verde community after Hurricane Maria.
FEMA said the broader Public Assistance program reimburses work on critical infrastructure, public buildings and roads, along with costs incurred to protect public health and safety after disasters.
Mitigation projects address power and flooding
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program includes $5 million for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to buy generators for a backup power facility at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina.
The Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewer Authority will receive $4 million to evaluate, design and purchase emergency generators and related components for the raw-water intake at the La Plata Lake Dam treatment plant in Toa Alta.
Yabucoa will receive $3.1 million to build an open, concrete-lined channel intended to improve water flow, lower water levels and reduce property damage during future floods.
The additional $1.3 million in BRIC funding will support stream stabilization and restoration in San Juan. FEMA said the work is intended to reduce severe-storm flood risk and strengthen community resilience.
FEMA coordinates mitigation projects with territorial officials. The agency said the awards are part of continued federal support for communities rebuilding after hurricanes and other disasters while investing in measures designed to limit future losses.
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