In addition to the $27 billion earmarked for the development of over 9,000 projects that FEMA has already approved for emergency reconstruction works and permanent projects to repair, restore or replace the infrastructure damaged by Hurricane María, FEMA has allocated $4 billion to Puerto Rico for hazard mitigation projects, a historic and unprecedented number in the United States. These funds are to invest in a more resilient future and adapt our environment, infrastructure and socio-economic environment to the impact that climate change is expected to have on the island.

Eligible activities include flood control and soil stabilization, emergency generators, renewable energy and micro-grids, safe community centers, retrofitting structures and buildings, coastal erosion mitigation and the restoration of coral reefs, sand dunes and other natural ecosystems.

To date, FEMA has approved 42 projects with an estimated value of $1.86 billion for entities that are eligible to receive these funds: government agencies, public corporations, municipalities and certain nonprofit entities. Among the approved projects is a study carried out by the University of Puerto Rico on the state of our beaches after Hurricane María, an integrated public warning system for disasters at the island level, energy redundancy at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the repair of the Patillas Dam, a new drinking water plant in Salinas, safe community centers in Vieques and Culebra, the construction of the Eco-Exploratorio in San Juan, and energy resilience for the northern region of the island.

Meanwhile, COR3 has submitted 199 projects, valued at $1.58 billion, for FEMA’s evaluation. On this list are 122 municipal projects, about half of which are for flood control, and 52 for nonprofit organizations, including churches, hospitals, colleges, universities and nursing homes. Among the proposals are projects for the Sor Isolina Ferré Centers, the Caño Martín Peña’s Proyecto Enlace Corporation, the Castañer General Hospital, improvements to the drinking water system for Valenciano in Juncos, and flood control in several areas of the University of Puerto Rico.

At the same time, COR3 is collaborating with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources to submit proposals related to the restoration of coral reefs, wetlands, sand dunes and mangroves in various parts of the island. Likewise, COR3 is evaluating various alternative proposals for clean and renewable energy, including sea-based energy.

Given all of the above, following the most devastating natural disaster in our modern history, a unique opportunity arose with federal funds from FEMA to truly position Puerto Rico toward a sustainable resilience that allows us to adequately face the future risks inherent to climate change. COR3’s commitment is to take advantage of this situation to its maximum potential, which I am sure will contribute significantly to the future socioeconomic development of our people.