FEMA Recovery Efforts Continue on the Island With Funding Obligations for 121 Projects

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, May 19 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

FEMA and the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, continue moving recovery forward with more than $37 million in additional funds for 121 projects approved between May 8 and 14.

As social distancing measures continue to safeguard residents, FEMA and COR3 remain focused on prioritizing obligations of funds to municipalities for eligible expenses to help communities recover from Hurricane Maria.

Among the recent grants are over $103,000 for the municipality of Trujillo Alto to pave roads, replace fences and work on the slope of the Rosa Flores Road in the Carraizo neighborhood. Over $16,000 of this allocation will be used for mitigation measures to stabilize the embankment and strengthen the road to withstand future disasters.

For Trujillo Alto's mayor, Jose Luis Cruz, this is one of the projects of greatest impact for the municipality. "Of the 125 projects we are working on with FEMA, eight have already been approved and the Rosa Flores Road in the Carraizo neighborhood is one of the most pressing, due to the safety issue it represents. That is why we are very eager to begin the repaving work, the installation of fences and to quickly attend to the landslide in the area in order to ensure the well-being of the people who pass through the area," said the mayor.

Similarly, nearly $65,000 was approved to repair the German Rosario Theatre in Camuy, which includes addressing mold damage, replacing the lights, the pedestrian door and the seats of this emblematic center. The project for this municipal theater named after the King of Troubadours includes nearly $47,000 to install waterproof suspended acoustic tiles on the roof and two flood barriers as mitigation measures.

During its prime, the facility served as a venue for theatrical performances and nonprofit activities. However, hurricanes Irma and Maria collapsed the roof, ruined its carpets and air conditioners. "Thanks to FEMA, we will be able to begin the work and, once the insurance claim process is completed, we are hopeful that we will be able to continue with the repairs," said the mayor of Camuy, Gabriel Hernandez Rodriguez.

Moreover, funds were approved to undertake permanent work projects that support recreational activities and sports. Cyclists and sports enthusiasts in Ceiba will benefit from nearly $412,000 earmarked for the repair of the BMX bicycle racetrack at the Felix Pedraza Sports Complex. In addition to repairs to the pavilion building and the track, about $15,000 will be used to install a drainage system under the track and a more resistant surface.

"When repairing facilities, FEMA has always emphasized the importance of code compliance to avoid future damage," said the mayor of Ceiba, Angel Cruz Ramos when describing how incorporating techniques to comply with current building codes. According to the mayor, roughly 1,500 residents will be able to enjoy the facilities as a result of the recent obligation. It also provides a space for the soccer team, athletic team and those who practice CrossFit.

"To date, we have not been able to repair the facility, however I understand that now we are seeing the rewards as this is the first obligation for permanent work," said the mayor.

FEMA has obligated over $6.7 billion for Puerto Rico under its Public Assistance program. The latest grants obligated are as follows:

* Over $21.5 million for repairs to roads and bridges.

* Nearly $7.4 million for repairs to parks and recreational facilities.

* Over $4 million for repairs to public buildings and equipment.

* Nearly $4 million to municipalities and government agencies for administrative costs.

* Nearly $264,000 for emergency protective measures.

* Over $74,000 for debris removal.

Funding for permanent work includes projects like roads, bridges, water control, buildings and equipment, utilities and park and recreation facilities as authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. Emergency protective measures are actions taken to eliminate or lessen immediate threats either to lives, public health or safety, or significant additional damage to public or private property in a cost-effective manner.

FEMA works with COR3 through the agency's Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico for expenses related to hurricanes Irma and Maria.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery after Hurricane Maria, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recovery.pr. You can also follow FEMA's and COR3's social networks on Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

For more details on the latest 121 obligations, se tables here: https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2020/05/19/fema-recovery-efforts-continue-island-funding-obligations-121-projects