Funds will repair a hurricane-damaged airport, roads and a basketball court across four municipalities
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of more than $36 million in Public Assistance disaster-recovery funds for infrastructure projects across Puerto Rico, continuing a recovery effort tied to hurricanes María, Fiona, and Tropical Storm Ernesto.
The Public Assistance Program helps states, local communities, tribes and territories rebuild stronger, safer and more resilient infrastructure while protecting against future disasters. FEMA channels the funds through local governments and agencies, which the agency says are best positioned to identify recovery priorities and ensure resources are used efficiently. Eligible projects include repairs to critical infrastructure, restoration of public buildings, road repairs and reimbursement of costs tied to protecting public health and safety after a disaster.
Among the projects funded in this latest round:
- Nearly $15 million to the municipality of Arecibo for permanent improvements to the Pancho Padilla basketball court, damaged by Hurricane María.
- Approximately $9.8 million to the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to restore Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla following damage from Hurricane María.
- Around $3.7 million to the municipality of Naranjito for road repairs, restoration of permanent infrastructure and administrative costs stemming from hurricanes María and Fiona.
- Approximately $1.7 million to the municipality of Lares to repair community roads damaged by Tropical Storm Ernesto.
- About $1.1 million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) for emergency protective measures to reduce immediate threats to public health, safety and property following Tropical Storm Ernesto.
FEMA said these projects are among the most recent examples of the billions of dollars the agency has directed to Puerto Rico and other communities nationwide to recover from natural disasters.
