The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $753,617.84 for Puerto Rico projects covering infrastructure, public facilities, security and disaster-risk mitigation, the office of Governor Jenniffer González Colón announced. The total includes $188,717.84 in Public Assistance projects tied to hurricanes María and Fiona, and $564,900 from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for a flood-control and coastal stabilization project.
The Public Assistance funds go to four projects: $71,788.48 to the town of Orocovis for project MORO136 – ORO FEMA 170 in the Gato ward; $89,663.73 to the town of Corozal for the Howard T. Jason Court/Park in the town center; $13,776.05 to the Puerto Rico Education Department for work at the Ernesto Ramos Antonini Music School; and $13,489.58 to the Puerto Rico Ports Authority for emergency protective measures related to security. The HMGP money is for the Mariana Flood Control Project, with 100 percent federal participation and a total cost of $564,900.
González Colón thanked President Donald J. Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and the FEMA team, saying the funds address needs left by the emergency and measures to reduce risks from future events. Gabriella Boffelli, executive director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), said it is working with the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3) to continue the work González Colón began as Resident Commissioner, so federal funds reach their intended projects.