- Puerto Rico has a mental health struggle on its hands, and we can’t forget how this happens – HelloGigglesNovember 7, 2017
- Can Puerto Rico Overcome a Colonial Past to Build a Greener Grid? – Greentech MediaNovember 7, 2017
- Here’s the other small firm that won a big Puerto Rico power deal – CNNMoneyNovember 7, 2017
- Restoration of Radio in Puerto Rico Remains Slow – Radio WorldNovember 6, 2017
- Puerto Rico Recovery Is Far From Over But Adland Is On The Case – MediaPost CommunicationsNovember 6, 2017
- Puerto Ricans fleeing Maria seek a New York foothold – Marketplace.orgNovember 6, 2017
- TJ Maxx continues to pay employees in Puerto Rico despite closed stores – WGN-TVNovember 6, 2017
- AT&T’s ‘Flying COW’ drone provides cell service to Puerto Rico – EngadgetNovember 6, 2017
- Recap: Anthony Bourdain’s ‘Parts Unknown’ Visits Puerto Rico – Condé Nast TravelerNovember 6, 2017
- Puerto Rico in the Dark – New York TimesNovember 4, 2017
November 2, 2017 / 5:48 PM / Updated an hour ago
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Thursday agreed to expand the use of disaster aid to rebuild Puerto Ricos power grid and other infrastructure wrecked by Hurricane Maria, a senior White House official told Reuters.
Under the plan, the federal government will pick up 90 percent of the costs - up from the typical level of 75 percent - and allow for funds to be released in a faster, more flexible way, an approach that recognizes the massive devastation on the island and its dire financial problems, the official said.
The plan, agreed with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello, provides for third-party advisers to estimate how much money is required for projects and how it is spent - a provision aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars in what is expected to be a massive, long-term effort to rebuild the island.
Were doing it in a way that grants flexibility, but also imposes a mutually agreed upon set of controls, the official said in an interview.
Puerto Rico is in bankruptcy, struggling with $72 billion in debt. Its finances were put under federal control last year.
Six weeks after Hurricane Maria hit, only about 30 percent of Puerto Ricos power grid has been restored.
Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Cynthia Osterman