The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently provided the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, the government agency overseeing and managing the island’s air and sea transportation, more than $54 million in public assistance funds.
Funding includes more than $4.6 million to cover hazard mitigation.
“It is very important for Puerto Rico to maintain its port infrastructure and airports in optimum conditions, given that our economy relies heavily on maritime and air transportation,” José G. Baquero, FEMA federal disaster recovery coordinator, said. “These obligations will help strengthen important facilities that support our merchandise trade economy and our public safety, by scrutinizing incoming containers.”
The authority will use the funding to repair Puerto Nuevo Seaport, Yabucoa Harbor, Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, and José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba.
More than $27.8 million will be used to build multiple structures at Puerto Nuevo Seaport.
More than $1.4 million will be used to repair damage at the Yabucoa Harbor.
More than $5.5 million will be used to repair the main terminal building at Rafael Hernández International Airport.
Nearly $16.5 million will be used to repair multiple structures at José Aponte de la Torre Regional Airport.
FEMA has awarded the Puerto Rico Ports Authority nearly $174 million for permanent work projects.