Over $13.1 Million in FEMA Funds Released for Infrastructure in Puerto Rico
Release Date: May 9, 2007
Release Number: 1613-007
» More Information on Puerto Rico Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) funds were approved to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for damages set off by the flooding and landslides which occurred in the island on October 9-15, 2005.
The total of $13,168,025.54 million dollars in federal funds have been obligated to thirty one applicants from state agencies, municipal governments and a private non-profit institution for infrastructure projects to rebuild and restore damaged public facilities.
"Thanks to a joint effort and collaboration with state and municipal governments, FEMA is currently in the final phase of review and evaluation of the projects," said Alejandro De La Campa, DHS/ FEMA Region II Caribbean Area Division Director.
As of today, the following municipalities have been approved funds for infrastructure related projects:
| Municipality | Total | Municipality | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjuntas | $2,195442.40 | Peñuelas | $159,069.12 |
| Aibonito | $15,829.06 | Ponce | $1,477,462.27 |
| Cayey | $110,087.49 | Salinas | $691,720.99 |
| Guayanilla | $80,176.31 | Santa Isabel | $122,776.17 |
| Jayuya | $620,664.87 | Utuado | $1,840,456.00 |
| Juana Diaz, | $93,831.34 | Villalba | $43,129.60 |
| Lares | $56,946.38 | Yabucoa | $171,687.27 |
| Maricao | $211,291.02 | Yauco | $473,449.38 |
| Orocovis | $127,881.76 |
FEMA PA grants provide a 75 percent share to reimburse approved costs incurred in disaster related emergency work, including protective measures, debris removal, and the repair, replacement or restoration of flood-damaged public facilities, such as roads and bridges, buildings, parks, water control facilities and utilities. The Commonwealth contributes a 25 percent share on these projects.
The approved FEMA PA funds are distributed under the following project categories:
| Categories | Obligated Federal Share |
|---|---|
| Debris Removal (A) | $2,100,119.97 |
| Protective Measures (B) | 1,516,288.33 |
| Roads and Bridges (C) | 7,619,006.08 |
| Water Control Facilities (D) | 1,138,502.10 |
| Public Buildings (E) | 49,869.64 |
| Public Utilities (F) | 141,485.52 |
| Recreational or Other (G) | 160,406.67 |
| Administrative Cost | 442,347.23 |
| Total | $13,168,025.54 |
The PA grant may also include funds to implement hazard mitigation measures, such as site-specific retrofitting, to protect the facilities from future damages, if the applicant can demonstrate a favorable cost-benefit ratio.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 10-May-2007 18:04:39