Puerto Rico is facing a desperate water crisis, with households doing without safe drinking water for days on end. While Puerto Rico, like many other U.S. jurisdictions, is facing drought conditions, problems in Puerto Rico also stem from failing infrastructure and inadequate funding. Congressional leaders are responding to the Puerto Rico water crisis with concern and proposed legislation.
Investigations
The lead Democratic member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), along with Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Democrat Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee top Democrat Senator Martin Heinrich, joined Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) in sending a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) calling for a full investigation into Puerto Rico’s water crisis. The congressional leaders requested a briefing on the causes of the water shortage and the condition of the territory’s water and wastewater systems. They also want to know what federal actions are taking place in response to the crisis.
The letter lists a range of questions:
(1) What challenges, including infrastructure, operational, and management decisions within PRASA, are contributing to Puerto Rico’s water service interruptions?
(2) What is the condition and resilience of Puerto Rico’s potable water infrastructure, including its reservoirs, treatment facilities, pumping stations, transmission systems, and distribution networks?
(3) What are the principal issues affecting the reliability and performance of Puerto Rico’s wastewater system, including its sanitary sewer lines, pumping stations, treatment facilities, and discharge systems?
(4) What financial assistance have FEMA, HUD, EPA, and USDA provided to support Puerto Rico’s water system recovery since 2017, and how has this contributed to building infrastructure that is resilient to hurricanes, drought, and other natural hazards?
(5) What is the status of federally funded water infrastructure projects, including:
- Total federal funding obligated, disbursed, and expended;
- The number and value of completed, ongoing, and planned projects;
- Project implementation schedules and anticipated completion dates; and
- The extent to which funded projects are expected to reduce water losses or improve reliability of potable water system reliability and resilience?
(6) To what extent have federal and commonwealth agencies coordinated and what factors have hindered progress in recovery, modernization, and resilience of Puerto Rico’s water system?
(7) What are legislative, regulatory, administrative, or operational recommendations that could improve project delivery, accountability, and long-term water system reliability in Puerto Rico?
“Puerto Rico is experiencing drinking water supply shortages and service interruptions affecting households and economic activity,” the letter said. “According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) drought monitor, the current drought will extend through the fall.”
Calls for aid
Many legislators have spoken out in support of federal aid for Puerto Rico in this emergency.
Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ) pointed out her personal connection.
Rep. Pablo Jose Hernandez (D-PR) called for a Declaration of Emergency, which would allow greater federal support.
Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) asked the Environmental Protection Agency to step in, joined by almost a dozen of his congressional colleagues.
Reps Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) published a joint statement calling for a change of policy on up-front payments for infrastructure improvements, as well as added government funding. “The water crisis in Puerto Rico is not the result of one drought or one infrastructure failure; it is the result of federal neglect and mismanagement,” they wrote. “Both the state and federal governments have funds available to address this crisis. As Puerto Ricans continue to ration water, almost $30 billion in federal disaster grant assistance sits in limbo waiting to be disbursed. The Governor and the federal government must ensure that these funds are unlocked and distributed immediately. FEMA has also continued the cruel policy of forcing Puerto Rico to pay for infrastructure repairs in advance and seek reimbursement later. In the midst of a crisis, FEMA must reverse course and expedite the advanced disbursement of funds to fortify the island’s water system.”
Legislation
Hernandez has introduced HR7397, the “Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act.” This bill would require the Secretary of the Army “to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water and wastewater infrastructure modernization needs of Puerto Rico.” The provisions of the bill call for an investigation similar to the one proposed to the GAO in the Heinrich/Huffman/Hernandez/Thompson letter, but calls upon the Secretary of the Army to take point.
Congressman Darren Soto also proposed an amendment directing the Secretary of the Army to fund an integrated water management plan for Puerto Rico in the FY2027 appropriations bill funding U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects (HR9022). That bill remains pending before Congress and is not expected to pass before the November elections.
The post Congress Acts on Puerto Rico Water Crisis appeared first on PUERTO RICO REPORT.
