Mitigation work advances in Vieques, Culebra with $2.4M FEMA grant
Puerto Rico’s Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3) announced the approval of two projects under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, representing a combined investment of approximately $2.4 million for coastal and infrastructure improvements in Vieques and Culebra.
“These investments protect critical infrastructure vital to providing stability to Puerto Rico’s economic development,” said Eduardo Soria-Rivera, COR3’s executive director. “FEMA’s approval for the development of the first phase of these projects represents a crucial step toward the resilience of our island municipalities.”
In Culebra, FEMA approved $543,311 for design and environmental studies related to a proposed hybrid reef system in the Punta Tampico and Punta Maguey areas. The system will combine artificial cement structures shaped like coral with native coral and mangrove plantings. Sand fences will also be installed to promote dune formation.
The project aims to reduce coastal erosion and protect critical infrastructure, including the island’s ferry terminal, a power line and an underground water pipeline from storm surge and wave action. If the first phase is successfully completed, FEMA may allocate another $1.5 million for construction.
“Puerto Rico must protect its critical infrastructure by preserving its resources and mitigating risks,” Soria-Rivera said. “It is essential to increase its resilience by minimizing the effects of coastal erosion.”
In Vieques, FEMA approved approximately $113,600 for the first phase of a stormwater drainage improvement project in the Esperanza community. That phase includes hydrological and hydraulic studies, environmental assessments, design work and permitting.
If cleared to move forward, the second phase could receive an additional $304,851 for construction. Plans include replacing two aging 24-inch pipelines and installing a larger precast concrete box culvert under PR-997 (Flamboyán Street) to better manage runoff from Laguna Esperanza and its natural drainage channel.
“This project in the Esperanza community represents a crucial step in mitigating the flooding that has affected our families and businesses for years,” said Vieques Mayor José Corcino-Acevedo. “With this improvement to the stormwater drainage system, we seek to protect lives and property, strengthening Vieques’ infrastructure in the face of climate challenges.”
