Puerto Rico Commissioner Proposes Federal Plan Amidst Water Crisis

Puerto Rico's resident commissioner, Pablo José Hernández, has put forth a five-measure plan directed at the federal government to tackle the ongoing drought crisis gripping the archipelago. The severe water shortage has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency and led to water rationing for seven municipalities.

Hernández urged Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González in a social media video to request a federal emergency declaration from U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the Stafford Act, the governor has the authority to formally submit such a petition. The commissioner reiterated his commitment to securing congressional support to bolster the request and enhance its approval prospects.

Should the declaration be approved, it would significantly boost the availability of resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to combat the water scarcity. This could include aid for distributing stored water and reimbursing emergency expenses incurred by municipalities and the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (AAA).

Additionally, the plan could facilitate access to loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses impacted by the drought. Commissioner Hernández also indicated he would recommend the U.S. Department of Agriculture issue an emergency drought designation.

More than 500,000 people have faced water rationing since Friday due to critically low levels in the island's main reservoir, Carraízo, located in Trujillo Alto. Governor González previously signed two executive orders on July 31, declaring a state of emergency for water use and activating the National Guard to assist with water transport, distribution, and purification.