SAN JUAN — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has awarded 17 contracts, totaling $1.2 million, under the Critical Public Facility mission in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s recovery efforts across Puerto Rico.
The Critical Public Facility mission is to maintain the life and sustainability functions for the residents of Puerto Rico; by evaluating structures the Corps of Engineers ensures the safety of those occupying the buildings, estimates repairs to maintain the operation of critical facilities, and make temporary repairs to facilities to get them back in operation.
“We will now begin working with our contactors to schedule the work and begin the repairs as quickly as possible,” said Craig Carrington, USACE CPF mission manager. “Over the course of the next two weeks we will be focused on awarding the remainder of the contracts, and ensure repairs are completed in a safe and timely manner.”
The 17 contracts awarded this week brings the total to 75 contracts awarded out of the 98 FEMA approved facilities, as part of the CPF mission.
Temporary repairs vary, but mainly focus on making the structure water tight, eliminating hazards, and removing interior finished surfaces damaged by any water intrusion.
Facilities currently under repair include the Bayamon Pediatric Clinic, Hato Rey Oeste State Police Station, Ciales Clinic, and many others.
The Corps of Engineers has already completed repair work to such facilities as the Defensa Civil Ponce, Ponce Fire Station, Guanajibo Ward Police Station, and the Dorado Fire Station.
The Critical Public Facility/Infrastructure Assessment team conducted inspections on a total of 6,175 buildings, 1,131 schools and 197 police stations, ensuring the safety of residents occupying the buildings and providing an estimation for repairs needed.
http://www.usace.army.mil/Hurricane-Irma/
