PONCE, Puerto Rico — President Joe Biden declared in Puerto Rico on Monday that his administration is committed to helping the island recover from Hurricane Fiona and other disasters, announcing a more-than $60 million federal investment in flood management that he said was only a small piece of the overall assistance he is ready to provide the territory.
”I’m determined to help Puerto Rico build faster than in the past and stronger and better prepared for the future,” said Biden, who arrived at a port in the city of Ponce as thunder and lightning set in amid a sweltering day.
The funds are for projects such as creating a new flood warning system and fortifying flood walls and levees, said the president, who was also expected to meet residents and prepare bags filled with food and relief during his short time on the island.
