$13.5 million from FEMA for reconstruction of sports facilities in 11 towns

By The Star Staff

Recreation and Sports (DRD) Secretary Ray Quiñones Vázquez announced on Wednesday the investment of $13.5 million for the reconstruction of 26 sports facilities in 11 municipalities of Puerto Rico that were damaged by Hurricane Maria.

The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program.

“After the signing of these contracts, we continue with the process of rebuilding another 26 sports and recreational units, located in 11 municipalities,” Quiñones Vázquez said in a written statement.

The 11 municipalities that will benefit from the new phase of reconstruction are Arecibo, Arroyo, Cataño, Dorado, Guayama, Loíza, Manatí, San Juan, Santa Isabel, Utuado and Toa Baja. Among the facilities is the iconic Miguel Fuentes Pinet Stadium in Loíza.

Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3) Executive Director Manuel Laboy Rivera said “at the moment, the DRD has $82.5 million obligated by FEMA for the reconstruction of hundreds of sports facilities.”

“According to the Quarterly Progress report completed by the agency, there are dozens of projects in execution whose investment is close to $54.2 million,” he said. “I urge the other agencies to continue to implement reconstruction projects with a sense of urgency. They have the full support of COR3 to achieve this goal in compliance with FEMA requirements.”