FEMA Approves More Than $71 Million in Funding to Help Communities Recover from Recent Disasters and Strengthen Their Resilience Against Future Disasters in Puerto Rico

NEW YORK - Today, FEMA announced the approval of more than $71 million in post-disaster funding for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in Puerto Rico. These programs empower states, local communities, tribes and territories to recover from disasters, rebuild safer and more resilient communities and protect infrastructure from future events. With this funding, President Donald J. Trump is keeping his promise to reform federal disaster support and ensure that taxpayer money is spent only on projects and programs that deliver safety and security to the American people.

The funding approved today includes nearly $43 million under FEMA's Public Assistance program awarded throughout the island.

FEMA obligates this money to states and local communities because they are best positioned to know how these funds will be most effectively spent. The funded projects include repairs to critical infrastructure, restoration of public buildings, road repairs and reimbursement for costs incurred to ensure public health and safety after a disaster.

Examples of projects obligated through Public Assistance funding approved today include:

• More than $9.2 million to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources for repairs to infrastructure at the Punta Santiago Pier in the Municipality of Humacao.
• More than $7.7 million to the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works for repairs to EFL Bridge No. 1199.
• Nearly $3.6 million to the Municipality of Comerío for repairs to the Manuel Reyes Basketball Complex parking lot.
• More than $2.3 million to the Municipality of Guánica for an improved project to repair the downtown's recreational facilities.

FEMA is also awarding more than $28 million for projects in Puerto Rico that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage. This money is being distributed through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Through this program, state, local or territory governments and tribal nations take proactive mitigation measures such as acquiring hazard-resistant homes and businesses, adopting and enforcing building codes and standards, protecting against floods through elevations and drainage improvement projects, building safe rooms, and upgrading utilities and infrastructure.

Examples of projects awarded through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding approved today include:

• Nearly $28 million for activities including identifying projects, technical assistance, project development, monitoring and closeout following Hurricane Maria.
• More than $800,000 to the private nonprofit Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly - Home of Our Lady Providence (Hermanitas de los Ancianos Desamparados Hogar Nuestra Señora de la Providencia) for the installation of security windows.

FEMA coordinates directly with the state on all hazard mitigation projects. This aligns with FEMA's principles of ensuring that disaster recovery and mitigation are state-led and federally supported.

These awards are the latest examples of billions of dollars in disaster recovery provided by FEMA to support state and local communities as they work to rebuild from recent natural disasters.

FEMA continues its renewed commitment to help communities recover from disasters like hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and wildfires while making them more resilient from future disasters.