Deadline to File Request for P.R. Public Assistance Funds Forthcoming

Commonwealth and federal disaster recovery officials announced that public agencies and certain non-profits that need FEMA Public Assistance grants to rebuild infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the storms, flooding and landslides of Oct. 9 through Oct. 15 in Puerto Rico, must submit their Request for Public Assistance (RPA) forms to the Office of the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) no later than Dec. 10 at 4 p.m.

Under the presidential disaster declaration of Nov. 10, 2005, the municipalities of Aibonito, Juana Diaz, Lares, Maricao, Peñuelas, Ponce, Salinas, Santa Isabel, Utuado, Villalba, Yabucoa and Yauco are eligible for federal disaster funds. Additional municipalities may be declared at a later date if requested by the Commonwealth, as determined by the results of further damage assessments.

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.

The Request for Public Assistance forms can be obtained through the Office of the GAR by calling at (787) 772-6995. After completion, the forms may be submitted by fax at (787) 772-6987.

The eligible private non-profit organizations (PNPs) are those that provide essential governmental-type services to the general public. Eligible PNP facilities include:

* Educational facilities
* Utilities
* Irrigation facilities
* Emergency facilities that provide fire protection, ambulance and rescue
* Medical facilities
* Custodial care facilities
* Other facilities that provide essential government services and are open to the general public.