The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the projects for which the Fire Department Bureau requested funds under the Agency’s Public Assistance Program. These represent a total of 21 emergency and permanent work projects for a total of US$ 15.4 million.
Of those, about US$ 10.7 million will be distributed in 18 permanent work projects, which will be used for upgrades to the structures belonging to the Bureau and for content replacement as a result of damage from Hurricane María.
Funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program
Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero, said “With the completion of all recovery funding obligations for the Fire Department, we are paving the way for the agency to have optimal facilities for its employees and the public. The repairs to this essential public safety agency will allow first responders to continue working and training.”
Notable projects include repairs to the Fire Academy. The facility, located in the Jueyes neighborhood of Salinas, will benefit from a federal grant for work on the trailers used for storage, the training room, the classroom, the hazardous materials simulator, for its offices and for refilling oxygen tanks.
Funds to repair fire stations
Moreover, the obligation of US$ 1.2 million for the repair of seven fire stations in the San Juan area includes the Hato Rey and San Juan Metropolitan stations, as well as the stations located in Corozal, Dorado, Guaynabo, Naranjito and Toa Baja, in Puerto Rico.
The work includes the replacement of tiles on the roof, an air conditioner unit, portable radios, computers, monitors and other equipment, lead and asbestos management, as well as the replacement of various doors, lights, roofs, windows, fences, among others.
Hazard mitigation funds for structural reinforcements
The Fire Department also has among its approved funds US$ 1.5 million for repairs to the Fire Department Central Workshop
This project also qualifies for about US$ 220,000 in hazard mitigation funds for structural reinforcements and management of leaks, among other repairs to prevent similar future damage from future atmospheric events.
Furthermore, the Fire Department also has among its approved funds US$ 1.5 million for repairs to the Fire Department Central Workshop, located at the Las Palmas Street in Santurce and built in the year 1950.
Funding to repair Bureau’s facilities
For the area of Caguas, FEMA approved US$ 1.3 million for repairs in several of the Bureau’s facilities. This includes the municipalities of Humacao, Juncos, Las Piedras, Maunabo, Naguabo, San Lorenzo and Yabucoa, in Puerto Rico.
In addition, the Agency also obligated some US$ 903,500 for repairs to various fire stations in the area of Aguadilla. The funds will contribute to repairs of two stations in Cabo Rojo, including the one in Boquerón, as well as the fire stations in Aguada, Aguadilla, Añasco, Hormigueros, Isabela, Lajas and Las Marías, in Puerto Rico.