Gov. Hochul Strengthens New York-Puerto Rico Bond with New Initiatives

Governor Hochul’s New Initiatives for Puerto Rico

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a series of new initiatives aimed at reinforcing the strong bond between New York and Puerto Rico. Speaking at the Annual SOMOS Conference in San Juan, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting youth programs and enhancing hurricane resiliency efforts on the island.

Investing in Youth Programs

Governor Hochul revealed a significant investment of $1 million to support arts programming for youth in Puerto Rico.

This initiative, in collaboration with the Hispanic Federation and the Flamboyan Foundation, co-founded by Lin-Manuel Miranda and his family, aims to use the arts as a pathway to wellness and creativity for young people. The funding will help address the challenges faced by Puerto Rican youth, who have experienced significant disruptions due to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York is the birthplace of the women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and American labor movement. We have always been a bastion for rule of law and for freedom — and we always will be. pic.twitter.com/ivFiuNDMum

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 7, 2024

Enhancing Hurricane Resiliency

In addition to youth programs, Governor Hochul announced a $300,000 investment to bolster Puerto Rico’s hurricane preparedness.

This funding will support various resiliency initiatives, building on the existing collaboration between New York and Puerto Rican emergency management officials. The goal is to enhance the island’s ability to withstand extreme weather events, which have become increasingly frequent and severe.

Puerto Rico is an extraordinary part of the United States, and New York's bond with our fellow Americans who call this beautiful island home is unbreakable.

With our investments in youth programs and hurricane resiliency initiatives, we’re making that bond stronger. pic.twitter.com/kEHeTIkfaI

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 9, 2024

Strengthening Cultural and Historical Ties

Governor Hochul highlighted the deep cultural and historical connections between New York and Puerto Rico. With over 1 million Puerto Ricans calling New York home, their contributions to various fields, including academia, arts, business, and sports, have significantly enriched the state’s cultural fabric. The new initiatives are expected to further solidify these ties for generations to come.

Governor Kathy Hochul has several additional initiatives in the pipeline to further strengthen the bond between New York and Puerto Rico:

FEMA Flood Mitigation Funding

FEMA has announced a significant funding initiative to help New York and Puerto Rico address the growing threat of flooding. New York is eligible for up to $20 million, while Puerto Rico can receive up to $5 million. This funding is part of the Swift Current initiative, aimed at expediting flood mitigation efforts to build resilience against future flooding events.

Resilience Hubs

Mercy Corps, in collaboration with local organizations, is establishing “Resilience Hubs” in Puerto Rico. These hubs are designed to support communities after natural disasters like Hurricane Fiona. They provide essential services and resources to help communities recover and build long-term resilience.

Hate has no place in our state — and we're making sure New Yorkers know how to call it out when they see it.

If you’ve experienced or witnessed a bias incident, report it to @NYSHumanRights:
📞 (844) NO-2-HATE
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— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 7, 2024

Water Resiliency Initiatives

Various initiatives are supporting community-led water systems in Puerto Rico to ensure reliable access to clean water. These efforts involve local volunteers and organizations working together to repair and maintain water infrastructure, which is crucial for the island’s resilience against future disasters.