Fiona Hurricane
and 2022 Floods
Allocation: $166,312 millions
Funds from this allocation under CDBG-DR are intended to address the unmet needs assessment and provide remaining funds to support mitigation activities. This is in response to Hurricane Fiona and the February 2022 Floods.
CDBG-DR IN RESPONSE TO THE FLOODS OF FEBRUARY 2022 AND HURRICANE FIONA
The Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH), with a firm commitment to our communities, faces the challenge of recovery after the adversities caused by the floods of February 2022 and the effects ofHurricane Fiona. With this allocation, we are moving toward a comprehensive reconstruction that goes beyond repair: it seeks to strengthen and safeguard our people in the face of future challenges. With this allocation, we are moving towards a comprehensive reconstruction that goes beyond repair: it seeks to strengthen and safeguard our people in the face of future challenges.
DISASTER IMPACT
Our island experienced difficult times between February 4 and 6, 2022, with a storm that left us with unprecedented flooding and landslides. As a result, February ended up being the rainiest month on record for the Island.
This situation was aggravated by Hurricane Fiona on September 17, 2022, which caused flooding and storm surges that mainly affected the south and east of Puerto Rico.
FOCUS ON THE MOST AFFECTED AREAS
Initial efforts targeted 23 municipalities identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the most affected, including places such as Añasco, Arecibo, and Barranquitas. In December 2023, HUD extended its support to 25 additional municipalities, bringing the total number of municipalities that will receive our assistance and attention to 48.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND RECLAMATION STRATEGY
Our primary focus is to improve infrastructure and adopt Low Impact Development (LID) projects and green practices, with an emphasis on flood control and management. In addition, we will promote the creation of Community Resilience Centers (CRCs), strengthening the social support and resilience of our communities in times of crisis.
INVITATION FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
To ensure a transparent process that includes the voice of our people, two public hearings will be held in January: one at Puerto Rico Department of Housing in San Juan and another at the Leopoldo Bonilla VĂ©lez Session Hall of the Ponce Municipal Legislature. Additionally, a 30-day public comment period will be held at the end of January.
ACCESS THE DRAFT OF THE ACTION PLAN
We invite you to review the draft of the Action Plan, which details our strategies for recovery and mitigation of the effects of the floods and Hurricane Fiona. This document is critical to understanding the planned actions and distribution of funds. Your feedback is valuable to us.
