FEMA extends period for implementing hazard mitigation program to 2026

Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience Executive Director Eduardo Soria Rivera

By THE STAR STAFF

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended until October 2026 the period for implementing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects related to the Hurricane Maria disaster, Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience (COR3) Executive Director Eduardo Soria Rivera said.

“These projects aim to mitigate various risks and create resilient infrastructure to reduce the possibility of loss of life and property during future disasters. By authorizing this extension until October 2026, municipalities, agencies, and nonprofit organizations will be able to continue developing projects for which FEMA has allocated nearly $3.1 billion,” Soria Rivera said. “We appreciate the collaboration of the FEMA teams both in Puerto Rico and Region 2 in New York, who contributed to the review and analysis of the strategy leading to this approval.”

The HMGP program provides funding for the development of projects targeting flood control, power generation, coastal erosion, structural repairs from seismic damage, and landslides, among other concerns.

To secure approval for the first year of the project extension request, COR3 submitted a progress report for each project to the federal agency, along with a detailed justification highlighting the importance of the program for Puerto Rico’s vulnerable communities. Additionally, a strategic plan was presented outlining the measures COR3 will implement to strengthen and streamline the mitigation project efforts across the island.

COR3’s executive director emphasized that in compliance with applicable regulations, COR3 and FEMA recently conducted the “HMGP Comprehensive Bootcamp” event, which focused on enhancing understanding and management of the processes required by the federal program.

During the meeting, key topics such as environmental and historic preservation, the reimbursement process, bidding procedures, and compliance with quarterly progress reports were addressed.

In addition, an intensive work session was held to address inquiries and manage critical procedures necessary for the continued execution of projects funded under the Risk Mitigation Grant Program.