Fortuño: Flood relief to spur 600 temporary jobs

The funds awarded under the National Emergency Grant program will be funneled through the island Labor Department to create temporary jobs to assist in the recovery efforts as a result of the severe storms and the resultant flooding.

“These emergency funds will be used through the Puerto Rico Labor Department to provide temporary employment to our people on projects to help with cleaning, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and properties within affected communities,” Fortuño said.

Of the $4 million announced, $1 million will be released initially. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the commonwealth demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

“The severe storms that battered Puerto Rico earlier this year left the island’s residents in need of our help,” said U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. “This grant will support ongoing recovery efforts and help Puerto Ricans return their lives to normalcy.”

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in June for the 10 municipalities following heavy rains.

Municipalities affected by the intense rain were Coamo, Orocovis, Naranjito, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Manatí, Dorado, Toa Baja, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Ponce, Corozal, Utuado and Fajardo.

The heavy rainfall caused flooding, loss of life and damages to property, infrastructure, and housing.

“These funds can be used for recovery work in the homes of economically disadvantaged people who are eligible for the weatherization program funded by the federal government, with priority given to services for people with disabilities and the elderly,” the governor said.

The funds will be available through the end of the year. Municipal governments tapping the money must meet minimum wage, benefits and displaced worker criteria established under the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA). They will dispersed to affected towns through the Labor Department administered WIA consortium system.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still reviewing Puerto Rico’s request for aid after sustained rains spurred flooding, landslides and infrastructure damages in the eastern region last week.

That request came after Fortuño issued an executive order on Sunday declaring a state of emergency in 17 rain-soaked eastern region municipalities.

The executive order cleared a hurdle for federal relief funds and covers Aibonito, Ceiba, Cidra, Corozal, Fajardo, Gurabo, Juncos, Las Piedras, Loíza, Luquillo, Maunabo, Naguabo, Patillas, Río Grande, San Lorenzo, Trujillo Alto and Vieques.

The cash-strapped Puerto Rican government is helping repair infrastructure with its own emergency aid while officials await a federal determination.

A weather system that later turned into Tropical Storm Bonnie caused widespread flooding last week in eastern Puerto Rico. A 14-year-old boy drowned early last week when he was swept away by the rain-swollen Bayamón River.