Committee urged to fund Puerto Rico infrastructure recovery and resilience programs

In a powerful appeal during the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Member Day, representatives from Puerto Rico underscored the urgent need for continued federal support to bolster the island's vulnerable infrastructure. Highlighting the devastating impact of natural disasters, one representative emphasized that "time, storms, earthquakes have damaged our infrastructure to levels not seen in our history," calling for robust funding to ensure safe and reliable transit services for residents.

The representative specifically urged the committee to maintain funding for the state of good repair grant program under the Federal Transit Administration, which provided San Juan with over $11 million last year. This funding is crucial for strengthening transit infrastructure, which serves as a lifeline for access to emergency services, education, and healthcare.

Additionally, the representative called for Puerto Rico's inclusion in the formula allocation for the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) program under the Federal Highway Administration. Currently, Puerto Rico does not receive a formula allocation from this program, which the representative argued is essential for the island's future resilience against disasters.

The plea for equitable access to federal resources was echoed as the representative stated, "We need consistent, equitable, and fair access to these resources to strengthen our infrastructure now before the next disaster strikes." This sentiment reflects a broader call for support not only for Puerto Rico but also for other U.S. territories facing similar challenges.

As discussions continued, another representative from Texas highlighted the ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding in a region frequently battered by hurricanes. This underscores the committee's focus on addressing infrastructure needs across diverse and vulnerable areas of the country.

The meeting reinforced the critical importance of federal investment in infrastructure resilience, particularly for regions like Puerto Rico and the Texas coast, where the threat of natural disasters looms large. The outcomes of these discussions could shape future funding decisions and support for essential infrastructure projects nationwide.