Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, visited the municipality of Adjuntas on March 11, where he met with Mayor José Hiram Soto Rivera to discuss the town’s priorities in infrastructure, economic development, and access to federal funds.
The meeting focused on various municipal projects and explored ways to identify potential sources of federal financing that could support their development. The visit comes shortly after Hernández announced the Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026 at a press conference. This legislation aims to prevent bureaucratic delays in the disbursement of federal disaster assistance and ensure that recovery funds reach affected communities more quickly.
“Escuchar directamente a los alcaldes es fundamental para asegurar que los recursos federales respondan a las necesidades reales de nuestros municipios. Estas reuniones nos permiten identificar de primera mano los retos que enfrentan nuestras comunidades y cómo el gobierno federal puede apoyar proyectos clave para su desarrollo,” said Hernández.
Mayor Soto Rivera also commented on the importance of these meetings. “Agradecemos la visita del Comisionado Residente, Pablo José Hernández, a nuestro municipio de Adjuntas y su disposición para escuchar de primera mano las prioridades y necesidades de nuestra ciudad. Estos espacios de diálogo nos permiten presentar proyectos importantes y explorar oportunidades de acceso a fondos federales que impulsen el desarrollo de nuestro pueblo. Confiamos en que esta colaboración continuará fortaleciéndose para beneficio de nuestra gente,” he said.
The discussion also addressed challenges municipalities face when implementing projects funded by federal resources and highlighted the need for stronger coordination between local governments and federal agencies. The visit is part of Hernández’s ongoing tour across different municipalities during the district work week to better understand community needs and strengthen collaboration between Congress and local governments.
