FEMA-approvals will fund the first phase of the LUMA’s $1 billion dollar “Community Streetlight Initiative”
San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 9, 2022 – Today, LUMA proudly announced a historic first for Puerto Rico with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s funding approval for the first phase of LUMA’s “Community Streetlight Initiative” (CSI). The two multimillion-dollar FEMA-funded projects will enhance public safety by replacing thousands of streetlights across Aguada and Maunabo. In total, more than $1 billion in FEMA funding will be invested to modernize Puerto Rico’s streetlight in infrastructure over the next eight years.
At an announcement event held today, Aguada Mayor Christian Cortés and Maunabo Mayor Ángel Omar Lafuente Amaro joined LUMA President and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Stensby, LUMA Senior Vice President of Engineering, Asset Management and Capital Programs Dr. Shay Bahramirad, LUMA Director of Engineering and Asset Management – Streetlights Ferdinand Cardona and COR3 Executive Director Manuel A.J. Laboy, to provide critical details on the first two transmission and distribution FEMA-funded projects approved in Puerto Rico. These critical reconstruction projects are part of the multibillion-dollar effort planned to improve reliability, resiliency, energy efficiency and public safety in every community of Puerto Rico. Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks.
“Today’s FEMA announcement is a historic and exciting development for the people of Puerto Rico and marks the exciting beginning of LUMA’s Community Streetlight Initiative which represents more than $1 billion investment in modernizing streetlight infrastructure in communities across the island,” said LUMA President and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Stensby.
Community Streetlight Initiative Project Details
- Nearly $30 million in federal funding is approved for the initial phase of CSI and are part of approximately $98 million in total funding for streetlight projects expected to begin construction in 2022.
- The streetlight projects include the replacement of streetlight arms, photocells, luminaires, poles and other components.
- The Aguada CSI Project repairs and replaces 6,655 streetlights
- The Maunabo CSI Project repairs and replaces 2,428 streetlights
Both projects are set to receive funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides funding for reconstruction work for the recovery from major disasters or emergencies. Additionally, both projects will receive critical funding from FEMA’s 406 Hazard Mitigation Program, which hardens infrastructure to mitigate future impacts of severe weather. This hardening work increases the strength of streetlight arms, breakaway bases, concrete bases and poles by increasing the wind tolerance of all materials to 160mph.
Future FEMA Projects in Progress
To date, LUMA has initiated 182 projects with FEMA representing billions of dollars of new electric infrastructure investments. Additional FEMA funding approvals are expected and will be announced over the coming weeks and months.
About LUMA
LUMA is a Puerto Rican company that, since June 1, 2021, operates and manages the electric power transmission and distribution system in Puerto Rico. LUMA is a company driven by a mission to transform the electrical transmission and distribution system to provide all Puerto Ricans with the reliable, resilient, cleaner and affordable electrical grid they deserve. As a customer-centric company, LUMA’s entire workforce of more than 3,000 employees is focused on safely delivering an exceptional customer service experience to its 1.5 million customers.
