White House announces $11.6 billion aid for Puerto Rico

The federal government will award an $11.6 billion aid package to Puerto Rico, focused on the territory’s energy and education systems, to help the island recover from the devastation brought by 2017’s Hurricane Maria, the White House said on Friday.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will provide $9.6 billion in funding for the Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority to make replacements, repairs and improvements to equipment and buildings, the White House said.

An additional $2 billion grant for Puerto Rico’s Education Department will “focus on restoring school buildings and educational facilities across the island,” the White House said.