FEMA Approves More than $14.6M for PREPA Projects

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Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the approval of $14,625,780 million to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The funds are being designated to four projects of the Puerto Rico Electric and Power Authority (PREPA) under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for damages sustained as a result of Tropical Storm Jeanne.

President Bush issued a major disaster declaration on Sept. 17, 2004 which made municipalities and other public agencies in Puerto Rico eligible to apply for disaster aid funds.

“FEMA continues working with State and municipal governments to search out projects where infrastructure related programs can be most useful, cost effective and have the greatest impact, such as these ones which prevent power outages during emergency situations,” said José Bravo, DHS/ FEMA Caribbean Division office director.

PREPA has submitted to FEMA 18 projects for the total of $17,749,016 million. The approved funds will be used to reimburse the agency for expenses incurred in emergency protection measures, debris removal, restoration of the 230 KV, 115 KV and 38 KV transmission lines, 13.2 KV, 8.32 KV and low voltage distribution lines with its components, and the restoration of a power generator.

The PA program provides assistance to eligible State agencies, municipal governments and qualified private non-profit organizations for disaster-related approved costs of debris removal, emergency services, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, road repairs, bridges, repair of water control facilities and restoration of buildings, utilities, and recreational facilities.

As of Wednesday, FEMA has received projects from 113 eligible applicants, of which the total federal share obligated to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is $23,666,779 million under the PA program.

FEMA, Commonwealth and municipal teams continue inspecting all disaster-related damages, examining expenses identified by the applicants, and outlining the scope of repair work needed and the estimated restoration cost.

FEMA has approved more than $403.0 million to 156,551 individuals and families under the Individual and Household Program in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Jeanne.

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