Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and state legislators met on Sept. 2 to discuss the ongoing water crisis in Puerto Rico, with officials pledging National Guard support, infrastructure assistance, and a financial contribution from Connecticut Water Service Inc. in response to a drought affecting roughly a third of the island.
Connecticut officials pledge aid to Puerto Rico amid record drought affecting a third of island
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and state legislators met on Sept. 2 to discuss the ongoing water crisis in Puerto Rico, with officials pledging National Guard support, infrastructure assistance, and a financial contribution from Connecticut Water Service Inc. in response to a drought affecting roughly a third of the island.
Puerto Rico is experiencing what has been described as a record drought, compounded by low reservoir levels and a rupture in a major aqueduct. The island has instituted water rationing, and New York sent 45,000 bottles of water to the San Juan area for distribution last week, according to the source.
State Rep. Christopher Rosario, D-Bridgeport, chair of the Connecticut – Puerto Rico Trade Commission, convened the press conference and briefed Lamont and other legislators on the crisis. Rosario said Connecticut has the highest percentage of Puerto Ricans of any state, with approximately 300,000 residents of Puerto Rican descent.
Rosario described the gathering as a message to the people of Puerto Rico that Connecticut was prepared to help. He said the crisis was affecting San Juan, a major tourist destination, and described water scarcity as damaging major economic infrastructure across the island.
Mellaney Castro, Lamont's director of operations and strategic engagement and a member of the commission, said she recently returned from Puerto Rico, where she observed family members planning their days around the availability of water.
- The source does not state the final dollar amount of Connecticut Water Service Inc.'s planned financial contribution.
- The source does not state what specific infrastructure assistance Connecticut's water utilities are prepared to provide.
- The source does not state what capacity or form the Connecticut National Guard's assistance would take.
- The source does not include a response or statement from Puerto Rican government officials regarding the offered aid.
- The source does not state the current total number of people affected by the water rationing on the island beyond characterizing it as a third of the island.
- The source does not state when the aqueduct rupture occurred or the current status of repair efforts.
Read the original at CT News Junkie