On Monday, January 9th, United States Senator Gillibrand announced that over $1.3 Billion dollars had been secured in funding for Puerto Rico to address food insecurity and restore their power grid.
According to Senator Gillibrand, $1 billion is slated to go towards improving the electric grid. The funds will aid in increasing the resilience of Puerto Rico’s grid as well as allow for grants to be provided to low and moderate-income households in order for the installation of energy storage capabilities and access to renewable energy.
Senator Gillibrand stated, “Over the past few years, Puerto Rico has faced crisis after crisis, ranging from Hurricanes Maria and Fiona to the COVID-19 pandemic to supply chain disruptions and rising prices. These incidents have left too many Puerto Ricans without enough to eat and without reliable power.
Several senators, including Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, Tim Caine, and Chris Murphy joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in requesting Congress to supply the United States Department of Energy with funds to aid in electricity solutions, such as solar panels, for households in Puerto Rico.
Senator Gillibrand continued, “I’m proud to have fought to secure these funds on behalf of Puerto Rico. These funds will go a long way toward addressing the Island’s food insecurity issues, as well as providing alternative forms of energy in times of crisis and better protection of Puerto Rico’s power grid against the forces of nature.”
Senator Gillibrand has a track record of advocating for the people of Puerto Rico. She has repeatedly insisted that Congress, as well as the Biden Administration, invest in Puerto Rican infrastructure.
