A federal audit revealed that only 25% of the $14 billion in federal funds allocated for Puerto Rico’s power grid restoration after Hurricane Maria has been disbursed. Of the $11 billion from FEMA, just $2.7 billion has been spent, mainly on equipment and design costs. The audit, covering August 2024 to June 2026, highlights delays due to staff turnover, complex project reviews, and Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority’s financial struggles. Additionally, a policy requiring DHS approval for expenditures over $100,000, implemented in June 2025 and later rescinded, further delayed fund release. Despite efforts, chronic blackouts persist, with only a fraction of planned power line clearances completed. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in rebuilding Puerto Rico’s infrastructure nearly a decade after Hurricane Maria.
QUESTION: How might the slow disbursement of funds for Puerto Rico’s power grid impact the island’s recovery and future resilience against natural disasters?
Federal audit finds Puerto Rico awaiting billions of dollars nearly a decade after deadly hurricane
