Borinquen Made2026-07-13 · Economy and politics
The Association of Mayors travels to Washington to unstick reconstruction projects
On July 13, 2026, Metro reports that the Association of Mayors of Puerto Rico began a mission in Washington to push pending reconstruction projects and speed federal procedures. The agenda is headed by the Association's president and mayor of Jayuya, Jorge González Otero. It includes meetings with Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, senators and members of Congress of both parties, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration.
"The situation we municipalities live requires a constant reinforcement of lobbying for pending projects. That is why during this week we are going to divide by topics," Jorge González Otero said. Among the priorities: FEMA, HUD, the Rural Development program of the federal Department of Agriculture, and the Corps of Engineers. A delegation met with PRFAA executive director Gabriella Boffelli to review the status of projects with federal funds: reconstruction, mitigation, coastal erosion, and municipal infrastructure. Gabriella Boffelli said Jenniffer González Colón keeps a policy of collaboration with all municipalities, without party distinction, and acknowledged that many projects take longer than expected because of complex administrative processes.
This Association mission is not the Federation of Mayors' meeting with Robert F. Mujica Jr. on July 9 over $52.6 million from the inventory tax. Two organizations, two dates. On July 14, NotiCel covered PRFAA's announcement on WRDA 2026. A lobbying trip and a water-resources law are two acts. The reader who wants the Washington agenda has the Metro URL at the foot.