Jenniffer Gonzalez announces $3 million in funds for education, work, agriculture and environmental protection
These new allocations of funds will provide aid to farmers, education programs and improvements in renewable energy systems
Miami, Florida- The resident commissioner, Jenniffer González Colón, announced different allocations of federal funds totaling $2,995,403 from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Labor (OSHA), Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Rural Development of the federal Department of Agriculture allocated $ 1,395,000.00 in funds for the Island under different programs of the agency.
From this allocation of funds, $ 1,375,000.00 will be destined for working capital expenses to produce coffee, packed fresh lettuce, processed meats, gelatos, flavored UTH packaged milk and for extract of medicinal herbs. In turn, $ 20,000 will be allocated as part of the business development program to provide technical assistance to students and veterans at Roosevelt Roads, Ceiba and Guayama. As part of the Rural Energy for America program (REAP), $ 407,420 will be allocated for the purchase and installation of solar systems to help farmers and small businesses develop renewable energy systems to improve their operations.
On the other hand, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved $ 409,668.00 in funds that will be allocated to the efforts that are part of the "Clean Air Act" and help the Environmental Quality Board to operate and maintain its air quality network. This work will involve air quality sampling and generation of representative air quality data.
To make it easier for parents to continue with higher education, the Department of Education allocated $163,227.00 to the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico and $ 470,184.00 to the Metropolitan University under the Child Care Access Program Means Parents in School Program. This program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education programs by providing child care services on campus.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) allocated $ 149,904 to University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus for health and safety training and educational material development program that aim to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.