(San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 24, 2025) – To accelerate the reconstruction of Puerto Rico’s critical infrastructure and improve the efficiency of disaster response efforts, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón convened a roundtable with key stakeholders involved in the Island’s recovery and members of the Disaster Response and Recovery Assessment Subcommittee, part of the FEMA Review Council.

The meeting brought together state agency secretaries, subrecipients of FEMA’s Accelerated Obligation Strategy (FAASt) program, and FEMA representatives in Puerto Rico to foster direct dialogue on improving emergency response and speeding up project execution.

“This roundtable is a vital step in advancing Puerto Rico’s reconstruction. We’re focused on solutions that strengthen our disaster response capabilities. We need FEMA to support—not replace—our local institutions, and to adapt to our unique circumstances so we can rebuild more quickly and strengthen long-term preparedness,” said Governor González-Colón.

Key topics discussed included:

·       Improving FEMA-Local Collaboration: Developing strategies to support local authorities without overriding them, while respecting Puerto Rico’s distinct needs and context.

·       Reducing Bureaucracy and Accelerating Projects: Proposing administrative and legislative changes to streamline procedures and expedite reconstruction efforts.

·       Preparing for Future Emergencies: Enhancing the Island’s readiness and resilience to respond more effectively to future disasters.

“Although we secured a historic allocation, over $40 billion in FEMA funds approved by President Trump, the pace of recovery has been too slow. My administration is prepared to lead and execute recovery and reconstruction projects efficiently, responsibly, and with proper oversight,” the Governor added.

This roundtable is part of a nationwide series organized by the Subcommittee under the FEMA Review Council, which was established by Executive Order from President Donald J. Trump on January 24, 2025. The Council advises the President on FEMA’s operational effectiveness and disaster response capabilities.

Co-chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Subcommittee is visiting regions across the U.S. to gather input and develop recommendations, which will be submitted to the President by November 16, 2025.

For updates on this and other reconstruction efforts, visit the COR3 Transparency Portal.

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