FEMA: Nearly $219 million approved for Puerto Rico recovery

As of May 30, FEMA says its Public Assistance program has “obligated $2.2 billion in total funding” to the government of Puerto Rico and municipalities for debris removal and “emergency protective measures,” which 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,” according to the agency’s announcing release Friday.

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The following grants were approved:

• For emergency protective measures:
  • Nearly $189.4 million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
  • More than $11 million to the Puerto Rico National Guard
  • Nearly $1.6 million to the municipality of Yabucoa
  • More than $1.4 million to the municipality of Gurabo
  • More than $1.1 million to the municipality of Jayuya
• For debris removal:
  • More than $3.3 million to the Puerto Rico Department of Sports and Recreation
  • More than $3 million to the municipality of Guayanilla
  • More than $2.4 million to the municipality of Dorado
  • More than $1.6 million to the municipality of Santa Isabel

An additional $3.3 million was awarded for “various smaller projects.”

The Public Assistance program also “encourages protection” of damaged facilities by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process,” the release adds.

The program is funded by FEMA and administered by the government of Puerto Rico.

FEMA: Over $194 million in assistance approved for Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery