WASHINGTON _ The Trump administration has delayed the release of $16 billion in storm protection funds, prompting complaints from officials in Puerto Rico and Texas who say the money is vital to protect coastal communities before the next hurricane season.
Congress last February authorized the $16 billion in disaster mitigation funds, to be used for projects to better safeguard communities damaged by floods and hurricanes in 2017. Among the states and territories in line for money, Puerto Rico was to receive $8.3 billion, followed by Texas ($4 billion), Louisiana ($1.2 billion), the U.S. Virgin Islands ($774 million) and Florida ($550 million).
But according to state officials, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has yet to issue regulations on how states and U.S. territories can apply for the money. While the ongoing government shutdown is adding to the delays, the problems preceded it, according to the office of Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, who this week sent the Trump administration a letter complaining about the situation.
