“Today’s island-wide blackout on Puerto Rico shows that not nearly enough is being done to support and rebuild the island. With hurricane season approaching, we need to work expeditiously to ensure the people of Puerto Rico are able to have a safe-haven from potentially devastating weather. The citizens of a first-world nation should not be forced to endure such fragile infrastructure.
“This is especially galling given FEMA’s current policy of denying extensions for housing in the United States for victims of Hurricane Maria, under the false premise that utilities in Puerto Rico have been restored. This blackout makes it crystal clear that the federal government has abandoned the 3.5 million American citizens who call Puerto Rico their home,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
In December 2017, Borough President Diaz issued a report, “Left In The Dark: An Action Plan for Puerto Rico’s Future 100 Days After Hurricane Maria,” outlining an action plan for the short and long term recovery of the island of Puerto Rico.
The report can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/2CdEH9d.