Governor, resident commissioner each appear to take credit for $100 million federal injection

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera separately have announced the approval of multiple federal funding allocations totaling more than $100 million.

The governor issued a statement early Wednesday in what appeared to be an attempt to take credit, but Hernández Rivera also issued a statement about the allocation, saying: “These allocations are part of Puerto Rico’s ongoing recovery process. As Resident Commissioner, my commitment is to keep the public informed about every step that strengthens our infrastructure. I will continue to fight in Washington so that Puerto Rico receives the federal funds it needs and deserves.”

The funds are designated for the repair of roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, universities, government agencies, religious organizations, and energy projects across Puerto Rico.

The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Stafford Act and addresses damage caused by Hurricane Maria, the 2020 earthquakes, Hurricane Fiona in 2022 and Hurricane Ernesto in 2024.

The new approvals will directly benefit the municipalities of Maricao, Jayuya, Orocovis, Comerío, Adjuntas, Juncos, Ponce, and San Germán, as well as public entities such as the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA), the Public Housing Administration, the Retirement System, the Puerto Rico Police and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). Academic and religious institutions such as Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and the Diocese of Ponce will also see benefits from the funds.

The approved allocations include:

* ASSMCA: $15,558,394.42 for permanent work at five rehabilitation centers in Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Ponce and San Juan damaged by Hurricane Maria.

* Municipality of Maricao: $2,653,456.43 to repair segments of the Achiotillo Highway, near PR-120, which were severely impacted by Hurricane Maria.

* Municipality of Jayuya: $6,332,959.08 to repair PR-528 and a box culvert in the Zamas sector, damaged by Hurricane Maria.

* Municipality of Orocovis: $1,485,282.97 for repairing municipal roads damaged by Hurricane Maria; $12,025,821.98 for the reconstruction of multiple other municipal roads: $1,404,622.28 for repairs to roads in the Gato neighborhood, affected by Hurricane Maria; $1,144,420.50 for the repair of rural roads impacted by storms and flooding in 2024.

* Municipality of Comerío: $1,036,993.74 for the repair of the El Salto Dam, built in 1913, which was damaged by Hurricane Maria.

* Puerto Rico Retirement System: $17,235,835.16 for repairs to the main building in San Juan and its equipment, also damaged by Hurricane Maria.

* Municipality of Juncos: $1,627,342.68 for the repair of recreational facilities and parks affected by Hurricane Maria.

* Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration: $9,953,500.30 for permanent recovery work after Hurricane Maria.

* Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (Ponce): $2,098,456.10 for repairs to buildings on the Ponce campus damaged by Hurricane Maria.

* Municipality of Ponce: $4,391,373.88 to repair the Enrique A. Vicéns recreational and cultural facilities, damaged during the 2020 earthquakes.

* Catholic Diocese of Ponce/Immaculate Conception Parish: $1,342,428.57 for emergency protective measures following the 2020 earthquakes.

* PREPA: $4,445,869.41 for repairs to the Costa Sur Power Plant damaged by the 2020 earthquakes; $3,285,133.78 for emergency operations following Hurricane Fiona in 2022; $3,294,950.68 for emergency restoration services following Hurricane Fiona; $1,164,663.74 for employee food and transportation expenses (May-June 2023) following Fiona; $2,937,465.81 for food and transportation expenses for employees (Nov. 2022-April 2023) following Fiona.

* Municipality of San Germán: $1,341,263.79 to repair rural roads damaged by Hurricane Fiona.

* Municipality of Adjuntas: $1,460,412.69 for the repair of rural roads following storms and flooding in 2024; $2,795,996.61 to fix the Yahuecas neighborhood road after the same event.

* Central Office of Recovery and Reconstruction (COR3): $4,338,219.17 for state management costs related to natural disasters in 2024.

* Puerto Rico Police Bureau: $1,280,244.22 for emergency measures during Hurricane Ernesto in 2024.

In announcing the allocations, the governor emphasized that the achievement is the result of ongoing and coordinated efforts with federal agencies.

“These allocations result from constant work, direct efforts, and a commitment to ensuring that Puerto Rico receives the resources it deserves,” González Colón said. “I thank the COR3 and PRFAA [Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration] teams, who have been instrumental in moving these processes forward, ensuring that federal agencies respond, and making sure that every approved dollar reaches our communities. These funds will enable us to continue rebuilding the island, impacting the lives of our people in municipalities, universities, religious entities, and government agencies.”