FEMA approves millions in community loans for earthquake-affected municipalities – Department of Homeland Security today

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the approval of nearly $90 million in low-interest community disaster loans, known as CDLs, to help Puerto Rican municipalities affected by the 2020 earthquakes in their long-term recovery.

Twenty-five municipalities in the south, center and west of the island have benefited from this federal aid, which expired on June 30. All municipalities that applied for the loan were approved and submitted the required documents.

“The earthquakes have certainly changed the economic landscape of many municipalities that were simultaneously dealing with the effects of Hurricane Maria. The loans are tools that, along with the support of the Puerto Rican government, help stabilize operations,” said Puerto Rican Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Jose G. Baquero in municipalities and revitalizing local economies.

The CDL program provides funding for operating expenses to assist local governments that have incurred a significant loss of revenue due to a declared disaster. This operational disruption often negatively affects the ability of cities to provide basic municipal services.

The funds will provide economic relief to municipalities such as Saint-Germain, which worked in coordination with FEMA to obtain approval for this loan.

“The financial municipalities have been affected by the loss of income, so the loan is very important because it will help us continue to provide services to our people, and to ensure that our employees get the job security they deserve. We appreciate the commitment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” said Virgilio Oliveira Oliveira, Mayor of Saint-Germain.

For his part, Aguada Mayor Christian Cortes Feliciano said the financial challenges facing the island were exacerbated by the emergency caused by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. “This loan will help us support operating expenses, stabilize our finances, and set a path of recovery where we can support ourselves with our own money and fully comply with our obligations. I am convinced that with proper planning, hard work and a shared sense of determination, we will move forward,” the mayor said .

In addition, Manuel A. Lapuy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), stated that hurricane season has already begun, and all municipalities should have the human capital required to deal with any emergency that may arise. “We will continue to work alongside mayors, as well as with state and federal agencies to be facilitators between them and the various types of assistance provided by FEMA,” said Labue Rivera.

To learn more about Puerto Rico’s earthquake recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4473.

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