Puerto Rico Relief: New York Officials Promise Support After Midterms
Mayors and governors pledge $280,000 for resiliency hubs as residents sue the federal government over canceled solar projects.
By Alyssa Parker ·
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul pledged increased aid for Puerto Rico on Friday, arguing that recent Democratic election victories will improve the territory's standing with Washington. The visit coincides with a four-day annual conference hosted by New York government officials on the island.
The leaders asserted that the federal government must answer for the state of the territory. Mamdani described the ongoing struggles as a political crisis rather than a natural one. He stated that the election results offer a chance to deliver for working-class people across the country.
Hochul characterized the election outcome as a new day for Puerto Rico. She warned that the federal government would be held accountable for past failures. The governor cited a two-year period of abandonment and expressed hope for healing wounds through resiliency and energy projects.
The delegation met with local nonprofits to announce a $280,000 partnership. The agreement involves the Hispanic Federation and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The funds will equip ten community-run resiliency hubs with increased water storage capacity. Some hubs will also receive rain-collection systems, kitchen infrastructure, and solar power with battery storage.
Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, told The Associated Press that the Puerto Rico agenda must not be forgotten. He noted that public policies have been harmful to the island. The partnership aims to help the island confront emergencies while it manages chronic power outages and water shortages.
The announcement follows months of federal changes. The administration of President Donald Trump canceled solar projects intended to help low-income families. One project worth $400 million was scrapped. It would have installed solar and battery storage systems in low-income homes and those with medical needs.
The U.S. Department of Energy stated that the initial solar funds would instead maintain the crumbling power grid. The grid was weakened by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and a lack of prior investment. The decision prompted outrage on the island as federal support for solar projects faded.
Last week, six residents sued the U.S. Energy Department and Secretary Chris Wright. They challenged the scrapping of a $1 billion program for solar power and battery storage. The lawsuit stated that the cost of such systems remains out of reach for the majority of Puerto Ricans.
Ileana Ríos, a 63-year-old resident of Arecibo, is among the plaintiffs. She is diabetic and requires electricity to refrigerate insulin. Her son has asthma and uses a nebulizer that needs power. The lawsuit noted that Ríos regularly loses power during stable weather and often for weeks during storms.
The other plaintiffs also have serious health conditions requiring electric equipment or medications. The lawsuit requests a judge order the Energy Department to reinstate the grant program. The agency did not return a message seeking comment.
Nonprofits faced months of uncertainty while awaiting the administration's decision. Sybelle Rodriguez del Valle, director of operations at Barrio Eléctrico, said the group felt like they were talking to no one at times. The nonprofit provides electric service to more than 500 families. It was poised to provide resilient energy for 1,200 families under the federal program.
Barrio Eléctrico completed about one-third of its projects before the program ended. The organization lost an estimated $16 million to $20 million in funding.
