The government meeting held on November 21, 2024, by the Puerto Rico Department of State focused on the status of federal funding for various projects on the island. Officials reported that out of a total allocation of $24.9 billion, only $684 million has been disbursed, which represents approximately 3.3% of the total funds. The remaining funds, amounting to about $17 billion, are still in various stages of processing.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the impending deadlines for utilizing these funds. Although the government has requested extensions, FEMA has only granted a six-month extension, which has created anxiety about meeting project timelines. Officials emphasized the importance of securing further guarantees from the federal government to ensure that these extensions are honored, especially as the new administration prepares to take office.

The meeting highlighted a disparity in fund execution between municipalities and state agencies. Municipalities have shown a higher rate of fund utilization compared to state agencies, which has raised questions about the efficiency of state-level project management. Officials noted that municipalities tend to handle smaller projects more effectively, while larger state projects, particularly in energy and infrastructure, have lagged behind.

In response to questions about the urgency of these issues, officials expressed the need for immediate communication with the incoming governor to address the situation and advocate for the necessary extensions in Washington. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the progress of these projects and to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to secure federal support.