San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 3, 2024 – Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, USDA Rural Development's State Director for Puerto Rico, indicated that USDA awarded grants amounting to $28,361,318 to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA).
Trujillo-Ortega said part of the funds were used to reimburse PRASA for expenses related to the work completed in the disaster recovery after Hurricane Maria.
Both water and wastewater treatment systems were left without power for indefinite periods of time, causing damage to various processes that subsequently required the installation of additional equipment for the addition of chemicals needed to improve water quality systems. The electrical fluctuation damaged the control systems and PRASA required the installation of supplementary equipment and in some places new equipment to increase drinking water production and/or improve the wastewater system. A grant of $24,708,470 was awarded.
Additionally, the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program (ECWAG) helps eligible communities prepare for or recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe and reliable drinking water.
PRASA reported damage to many of its facilities across the island caused by Hurricane Fiona on Sept. 18, 2022. Repairs and upgrades had to be made to multiple facilities, plants and pumping stations. A grant of $3,652,848 was provided.
The construction of platforms and/or emergency structuring was required for the installation of complementary equipment to stabilize the treatment processes. PRASA made repairs and improvements to multiple facilities, water channels, raw water intakes, water pipes, water pumping stations, water treatment plants, and wells. The funds were used to reimburse AAA for these expenses.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care, and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/pr.
If you'd like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscribers page. You can follow us on our Twitter account @RD_PuertoRico.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.