Correa emphasizes year-round preparedness, radio-network communications and coastal inspections in testimony
February 07, 2024 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico, International
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At the Senate s confirmation hearing, Nino Correa laid out specific operational priorities should he be confirmed to head the island s emergency-management agency. He emphasized that emergency work is continuous, not seasonal, and described active initiatives to strengthen communication, distribution and local planning.
On communications, Correa said the agency is rebuilding multiple redundant systems and highlighted a radio-amateur program: "mensualmente se hace una prueba con sobre doscientos treinta y dos radioaficionados" that he said never failed during past disasters. He described federal-backed installations in special communities and coordination with the Health Department to map residents who need specialized outreach.
Correa described logistics reforms intended to avoid the warehousing problems seen after Hurricane Maria. He said the agency signed a FEMA Community Hubs agreement (referred to in testimony as "MUU ciento nueve") to route shipments to vetted nonprofits and faith-based organizations at the pier for direct municipal distribution, arguing this minimizes delays and unequal distribution.
On coastal vulnerability, Correa referenced a prior inventory of "sobre cuatrocientas veinti fan estructuras" within 400 meters of the shore and urged municipalities to request agency assistance to certify or inspect multi-story buildings in coastal zones. He recommended aligning that inventory with seismic and hazard maps before taking regulatory steps.
Correa provided an illustrative cost range for search-and-rescue activations, saying a one- or two-day operation "podr eda llegar... sobre doscientos mil d f3lares" but added exact costs depend on hours, vehicles and interagency participation. Senators asked him to provide follow-up documentation and municipal inventories to inform legislative or executive action.
Ending: Senators requested that the nominee return with detailed inventories, shelter/connectors plans and a municipal certification proposal for coastal structures; the committee noted further deliberations or working sessions could follow.
On communications, Correa said the agency is rebuilding multiple redundant systems and highlighted a radio-amateur program: "mensualmente se hace una prueba con sobre doscientos treinta y dos radioaficionados" that he said never failed during past disasters. He described federal-backed installations in special communities and coordination with the Health Department to map residents who need specialized outreach.
Correa described logistics reforms intended to avoid the warehousing problems seen after Hurricane Maria. He said the agency signed a FEMA Community Hubs agreement (referred to in testimony as "MUU ciento nueve") to route shipments to vetted nonprofits and faith-based organizations at the pier for direct municipal distribution, arguing this minimizes delays and unequal distribution.
On coastal vulnerability, Correa referenced a prior inventory of "sobre cuatrocientas veinti fan estructuras" within 400 meters of the shore and urged municipalities to request agency assistance to certify or inspect multi-story buildings in coastal zones. He recommended aligning that inventory with seismic and hazard maps before taking regulatory steps.
Correa provided an illustrative cost range for search-and-rescue activations, saying a one- or two-day operation "podr eda llegar... sobre doscientos mil d f3lares" but added exact costs depend on hours, vehicles and interagency participation. Senators asked him to provide follow-up documentation and municipal inventories to inform legislative or executive action.
Ending: Senators requested that the nominee return with detailed inventories, shelter/connectors plans and a municipal certification proposal for coastal structures; the committee noted further deliberations or working sessions could follow.
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