Letter to the Hon. Brock Long, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency - Continue Paying Full Cost of Puerto Rico Recovery Effort

Letter

Dear Administrator Long:

We write in support of Puerto Rico's request for an additional extension of the 100 percent federal cost-share, which is scheduled to end today. Nearly eight months after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, communities still struggle with unreliable electricity, blocked roads and canals are prevalent, and housing resources remain insufficient. Continued federal assistance is required to ensure Puerto Rico has the resources it needs to continue its recovery efforts.

According to Puerto Rico officials, the island is still experiencing frequent power outages, with an island-wide blackout occurring just last month that took over 24 hours to resolve. Additionally, reports show two-thirds of municipalities continue to clear debris from homes, roads, and waterways, presenting a clear public health and safety issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. And while some homes are no longer habitable, FEMA's Transitional Shelter Assistance program is set to expire on June 30, 2018, leaving many families without a home to which they may return.

The 2018 hurricane season is just a few short weeks away, and our fellow Americans simply do not have the resources to both recover from Hurricane Maria and prepare for what may come. We urge you to approve a 90-day extension for Category A work and a 120-day extension for Category B work at the 100 percent federal cost-share.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

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