Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Pablo José Hernández met with Carolina Mayor José Carlos Aponte Dalmau on May 28 to discuss reconstruction projects, critical infrastructure, and the ongoing impact of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) delays on municipalities and communities in Puerto Rico.
During the meeting, Hernández highlighted the disbursement of $5,014,600 in federal reconstruction funds from FEMA for the acquisition of backup generators at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. This investment is intended to strengthen operational continuity at Puerto Rico’s main airport during power outages and emergencies.
“The Luis Muñoz Marín Airport is critical infrastructure for Puerto Rico. Strengthening its operational capacity means protecting the economy, tourism, and mobility of millions of passengers, as well as improving our emergency response capability,” said Hernández.
Hernández said that safeguarding airport operations directly impacts passenger movement, tourism, commerce, and access to essential services during emergencies. The meeting also addressed how internal changes at FEMA—including budget cuts, staff reductions, and hiring freezes—have affected the pace of reconstruction fund disbursements in Puerto Rico. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Hernández said he has taken oversight actions to help unlock processes and accelerate municipal access to already allocated funds.
Although FEMA has begun reversing some previous staff reductions, significant projects and disbursements remain delayed. Hernández said he will continue pressing for faster delivery of funds to communities and municipalities across Puerto Rico. “Puerto Rico cannot be left waiting while important projects face bureaucratic delays. We will continue working to ensure that federal funds reach our communities and translate into real projects that improve quality of life for our people,” he said.
The visit was part of Hernández’s ongoing work agenda with municipalities around the island aimed at monitoring federal projects and supporting reconstruction and economic development initiatives.
