San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 17, 2024 – Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, USDA Rural Development's State Director for Puerto Rico, stated that in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, a home from Loiza municipality, which was rehabilitated last March, today praises DOE announcement of a new renewable energy system for Mrs. Iris Lorenzo Manzo.
Trujillo-Ortega indicated that the Secretary of U.S Department of Energy, Hon. Jennifer Grandholm announced that Ms. Iris Lorenzo qualified for the installation of a renewable energy system for her home. Trujillo-Ortega stated “We at USDA are committed to improve the quality of life in rural areas. The joint efforts by DOE and USDA in this house in Loiza, is a great example of what’s possible in Puerto Rico when federal agencies work together.”
Ms. Lorenzo Manzo, retired, with limited income. resident of the Villa Carmen Sector of the Medianía Baja neighborhood in Loiza had a house in urgent need of improvements. Her house, built on her grandparents' land, had been affected by Hurricane Fiona. Doña Iris had made multiple efforts seeking help for her situation but had not been successful. USDA Rural Development rehabilitated the residence, it reinforced its roof to be able to sustain the renewable energy system. Before repairs the concrete, wood and zinc roof suffered from leaks and had several structural deficiencies, which did not comply with building codes and standards.
After evaluating the case, Rural Development awarded a grant of approximately $60,000 from the "Presidential Grant for Disaster Home Repair and Section 504" funds. The donation served to demolish the second floor in wood that was uninhabitable and remodel the first floor in concrete, which serves as her main home. By reinforcing the structure, it allowed the installation of solar panels on the roof of the residence. The repairs provided Mrs. Lorenzo Manzo with a safe and adequate home to improve her quality of life.
Trujillo-Ortega stated, "The maximum amount of aid under the Presidential Disaster Home Repair Grant has increased to $42,920. I urge Puerto Ricans to apply for the program, as funds are still available for people who suffered damage from Hurricane Fiona." To date, $2.5 million have been obligated to repair the homes of nearly 100 families.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunity and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare, and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/pr or call any of this Area and Sub-Area Offices.
USDA Rural Development Office Contacts:
Camuy Sub-Area Office
(787) 898-2355 / (787) 898-3772
Morovis Sub-Area Office
(787) 862-2095 / (787) 862-3160
Mayagüez Area Office
(787) 838-7006, 838-7007, 838-7008
Juana Diaz Sub-Area Office
(787) 837-2460 / (787) 837-3220
Utuado Area Office
(787) 894-4657 / (787) 894-2416
Caguas Sub-Area Office
(787) 743-1600 / (787) 743-1612
San Juan Area Office
(787) 766-5095
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