A group of US Democratic lawmakers has promised to help speed up Puerto Rico’s sluggish recovery from destructive hurricanes and earthquakes. The lawmakers, including Mississippi Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, met with Puerto Rico mayors as part of a two-day trip to the US territory and heard their concerns, including delays in reimbursements and project approvals.
Challenges in Recovery Efforts
Puerto Rico’s recovery from hurricanes Maria and Fiona, as well as a series of strong earthquakes, has been hindered by delays in federal funding and bureaucratic red tape. The island’s mayors have flagged their concerns, including a policy implemented by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that required DHS expenditures over $100,000 to be personally approved by her office.
New Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has rescinded the rule, but challenges remain. Thompson noted that about a third of the workforce of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been reduced, leaving not enough people to answer phones or process paperwork.
Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017 as a powerful Category 4 storm, causing an estimated $90 billion in damage and resulting in the deaths of approximately 2,982 people. Hurricane Fiona pummeled the island in September 2022, causing further damage to the already fragile power grid.
The island is trying to recover from these disasters, with some 30% of projects still pending. So far, nearly $43 billion in federal funds have been allocated, nearly $40 billion obligated, and $12.7 billion disbursed, according to Puerto Rico’s Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
