AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Recovery in Puerto Rico: The Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Río Encantado in Manatí to boost the species’ recovery, continuing a long-running amphibian reintroduction effort. Disaster Funding Pressure: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera pressed FEMA over delayed Puerto Rico reconstruction money, citing billions still undisbursed nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria. Local Environment Infrastructure: DRNA reported nearly $950,000 to rehabilitate Piñones kiosks, a move tied to keeping a key coastal area functional. Clean Energy Access: Nicole Gonzalez, after Hurricane Maria, is expanding solar access through Raya Power, aiming to reach renters and outage-vulnerable communities. Ocean & Justice Convening: Puerto Rico lawmakers and advocates joined a Washington conference on ocean conservation and environmental justice, focusing on decolonizing conservation decisions. Coastal Tourism & Development: Henderson Park completed its acquisition of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, with plans for targeted capital investments.

Wildlife Recovery: Detroit Zoo is sending nearly 7,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to a rainforest site in Manatí as part of a long-running reintroduction effort to help a critically endangered species recover. Coastal & Public Land Repairs: DRNA says it has nearly $950,000 ready to rehabilitate the Piñones State Forest kiosks, moving through the final phase of evaluating design proposals for the damaged food kiosks that draw visitors to Loíza. Clean Energy & Resilience: Nicole Gonzalez, a former NASA engineer, is expanding her solar startup Raya Power to make clean energy more accessible for renters and communities hit hardest by outages, following Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic season underway, NOAA’s outlook points to a below-normal season, but officials stress Puerto Rico-style readiness: review plans, check kits, and expect impacts from even a single storm. Local Tech for Businesses: Liberty Business says it’s pushing cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and AI services for Puerto Rico companies—positioning digital upgrades as a way to improve connectivity and operational efficiency.

Wildlife Recovery: Detroit Zoo is sending 6,855 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Rio Encantado in Manatí to support the critically endangered species’ long-running reintroduction effort. Coastal & Forest Infrastructure: DRNA says nearly $950,000 is now in the final design-evaluation phase to rehabilitate the Piñones State Forest kiosks, part of a broader recovery push for the area. Local Funding & Food Security: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced Puerto Rico could receive major federal dollars under a FY2027 appropriations bill, including about $3.06 billion for the island’s Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN). Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA and the National Hurricane Center continue tracking early storm activity, including Tropical Storm Amanda in the Eastern Pacific, as Atlantic hurricane season ramps up. Behavioral Health Access: Hawaiʻi’s selection for a Medicaid behavioral health clinic demonstration highlights how federal funding can expand treatment—an issue Puerto Rico advocates for through its own health priorities.

Wildlife Recovery: The Detroit Zoo is shipping 6,855 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Rio Encantado in Manatí, part of a long-running reintroduction effort for a critically endangered amphibian found only on the island. Coastal Tourism & Resilience: Puerto Rico’s cruise push faces a hit after Norwegian Cruise Line canceled Norwegian Viva departures for the 2027–2028 season, citing lack of port availability and warning of roughly $17 million in economic losses. Local Conservation Infrastructure: DRNA says it has nearly $950,000 approved to move into the final design-evaluation phase for rehabilitating the Piñones State Forest kiosks, including food kiosks in Loíza. Community Health & Food Security: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced Puerto Rico could receive major federal funding under a FY2027 appropriations bill, including about $3.06 billion for the island’s Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN). Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard reminded mariners and residents across Puerto Rico and nearby islands to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Wildlife Conservation: The Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Manatí’s Rio Encantado rainforest, part of a long-running reintroduction effort for a critically endangered amphibian found only in Puerto Rico. Tourism & Environment: Norwegian Cruise Line canceled Norwegian Viva departures from Puerto Rico for the 2027–2028 season, citing lack of port availability; local tourism specialists warn of about $17 million in economic losses tied to the cancellation. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard Southeast District urged mariners and residents across Puerto Rico and nearby islands to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, highlighting risk planning and emergency readiness. Coastal Weather Risk: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for parts of Central Florida, underscoring how fast storm conditions can turn dangerous during hot, humid weather. Local Governance & Services: Puerto Rico’s fiscal oversight board warned the Education Department that relying on non-recurring funds for ongoing Special Education obligations isn’t sustainable as federal pandemic relief expires.

Coral Reef Resilience in Focus: Palau joined the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in San Juan to tackle coral bleaching threats and strengthen reef resilience through shared science and management. Hurricane Preparedness Update: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to include inland watches and warnings for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to make inland wind risks clearer. Coastal Tourism Spotlight: Carolina Beach (Balneario de Carolina) was named Puerto Rico’s best beach in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, with voters citing cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and facilities. Education Funding Pressure: Puerto Rico’s fiscal oversight board warned the Department of Education that relying on non-recurring funds for ongoing Special Education obligations is “not sustainable,” especially as pandemic relief expires by June 30. Forest Research Uncertainty: A U.S. Forest Service reorganization could affect research facilities nationwide, though Western North Carolina’s research stations are reportedly not slated for closure.

Water Pollution Accountability: At-large Sen. Ada Álvarez Conde asked the U.S. Justice Department for oversight on federal agreements tied to wastewater contamination and illegal discharges in Condado, warning residents can’t keep seeing coastal pollution headlines without transparency and enforcement. Hurricane Readiness & Forecasting: Puerto Rico’s administration says it’s fully prepared for hurricane season with updated emergency protocols and unified communications, while the National Hurricane Center is expanding its inland warning “cone” approach and NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season. Coastal Ecosystem Stress: NOAA is also rolling out a tool to forecast washed-up seaweed, as researchers track the growing sargassum problem across the Caribbean and its impacts on beaches and marine life. Local Governance & Health Funding: Island lawmakers head to Washington to protect Medicaid funding levels for Puerto Rico’s Vital Plan, which supports more than 1.5 million people and is set to expire in 2027. Environmental Research Policy: In Western North Carolina, a U.S. Forest Service reorganization could affect research operations nationwide, raising concerns even as WNC research stations are reportedly spared.

Water Pollution Accountability: At-large Sen. Ada Álvarez Conde asked the U.S. Department of Justice for oversight on federal agreements tied to wastewater contamination and sanitary failures in Condado, warning residents can’t “normalize continued discharges” harming coasts, public health, and natural resources. Hurricane Readiness: Puerto Rico’s administration says it’s fully prepared for the Atlantic hurricane season, citing months of interagency coordination, updated emergency protocols, and improved communications standards across agencies. Medicaid Funding Fight: Island lawmakers head to Washington to protect Medicaid funding levels for Puerto Rico’s Vital Plan, pushing to keep the 76% federal reimbursement rate that expires Sept. 30, 2027. Coastal Ecosystems & Tourism: NOAA is rolling out a new tool to project where seaweed may wash up, as researchers warn record sargassum could disrupt coastal communities and tourism. Local Environment Culture: A free screening of the Puerto Rican film “Esta isla” at Casa Pueblo’s Solar Cinema highlights environmental protection and community activism.

Hurricane Season Readiness: NOAA/NWS is rolling out updated “cone of uncertainty” hurricane graphics for 2026, aiming to help people understand forecast errors and impacts beyond the storm’s center. Air Quality & Health: Saharan dust is expected to reach Puerto Rico around June 1–2, with sensitive groups warned to prepare for respiratory discomfort as the plume spreads. Regional Security & Disaster Response: The U.S. 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has assumed Littoral Combat Force-24 in Puerto Rico, positioned for rapid crisis response and disaster relief support across the SOUTHCOM area. Environmental Restoration Funding: NAVFAC Atlantic awarded a $480M contract for long-term environmental action services, including studies and cleanup design for contaminated Navy and Marine sites. Wildlife & Coasts: A new report ranks Anguilla’s Shoal Bay East No. 1 in North America, highlighting how protected coastlines and wildlife-friendly conditions can preserve “Caribbean paradise” beaches. Local Culture + Environment: Casa Pueblo’s Solar Cinema will screen the Puerto Rican film “Esta isla,” tied to environmental and social activism.

Regional Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis is sparking concern after officials said the government wasn’t consulted, even as talks begin to secure a replacement carrier to protect regional connections. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA’s updated “cone of uncertainty” graphics are rolling out for the 2026 season, aiming to help people understand storm impacts beyond the center track. Air Quality & Health: Puerto Rico is already flagging an expected spread of Saharan dust around June 1–2, warning sensitive groups may feel respiratory discomfort. Military & Disaster Response Capacity: The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has assumed a key force-in-readiness role in the U.S. Southern Command area, with stated readiness to support disaster relief. Environmental Restoration Contract: NAVFAC Atlantic awarded a $480M environmental action services contract for long-term cleanup work at Navy and Marine Corps sites. Local Culture & Environment: Casa Pueblo’s Solar Cinema will host a free screening of the Puerto Rican film “Esta isla,” tied to environmental and community activism. Wildlife/Climate Science: Researchers traced upland cotton domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, using genome comparisons that include wild cotton from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Solar Cinema & Community Activism: The acclaimed Puerto Rican film “Esta isla” screens Saturday at Casa Pueblo’s Solar Cinema in Adjuntas, with a post-screening discussion featuring its directors, producers, writers, and actor Auudi Robles—linking local culture with environmental protection. Territorial Democracy & Rights: A June 4 congressional briefing will examine what “consent of the governed” means for residents of Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, spotlighting the long-running gap between federal rule and full constitutional rights. Hurricane Season Readiness: NOAA’s updated hurricane “cone of uncertainty” graphics roll out for 2026, aiming to help the public understand forecast uncertainty and impacts beyond the storm track. Caribbean Weather Watch: Saharan dust is expected to reach Puerto Rico around June 1–2, with possible respiratory discomfort for sensitive groups. Marine Presence in the Caribbean: The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has assumed its mission as Littoral Combat Force-24, operating from Puerto Rico and supporting SOUTHCOM—while also noting readiness for disaster relief. Environmental Cleanup Funding: NAVFAC Atlantic awarded a $480M contract for long-term environmental action services, including restoration work at contaminated Navy and Marine Corps sites. Puerto Rico Climate-Smart Research: Scientists used genomic comparisons to trace upland cotton domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, including links to wild cotton from Puerto Rico and nearby islands.

Caribbean Hurricane Readiness: NOAA’s hurricane “cone of uncertainty” is getting new graphics and methods as the 2026 season ramps up, while FEMA is entering the season with a smaller disaster workforce and job vacancies—raising concerns for fast response when storms hit. Saharan Dust & Health: A pair of Saharan dust outbreaks is moving across the tropical Atlantic; Puerto Rico’s forecast warns of a broader plume expected June 1–2, with possible respiratory discomfort for sensitive groups. Local Resilience & Recovery: Puerto Rico is also getting PAHO-backed momentum on healthy aging and long-term care planning, a reminder that climate and disaster preparedness includes protecting vulnerable residents. Environmental Cleanup Contract: NAVFAC Atlantic awarded a $480 million environmental action services contract to CH2M Hill for long-term restoration work at Navy and Marine Corps sites, including contaminated soil and emerging contaminants. Marine Presence in Puerto Rico: The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit assumed Littoral Combat Force-24 duties from Puerto Rico, with disaster relief listed among its certified mission sets.

Hurricane Readiness: FEMA says it has the smallest disaster workforce since 2021, with a backlog of state aid requests and key emergency-management vacancies—raising concerns as hurricane season ramps up. Saharan Dust & Health: Two Saharan dust plumes are moving toward the tropical Atlantic; Puerto Rico’s forecast warns a broader, denser plume is expected June 1–2, with possible breathing discomfort for sensitive groups. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved more than $5.5 million in Public Assistance for Puerto Rico projects, including repairs tied to Hurricanes Fiona and Maria across schools, municipalities, and community facilities. Environmental Restoration Contract: NAVFAC Atlantic awarded a $480M contract for long-term environmental action services, covering studies, investigations, and remediation designs for contaminated sites at Navy and Marine Corps installations. Deep-Sea Science: A rarely seen deep-sea sevengill shark with unusual pigmentation is prompting new thinking about how color may affect energy use in ocean predators. Local Climate/Weather Context: A Puerto Rico-linked weather pattern update notes heavy rain through the weekend before drier conditions next week. Fishing Policy: A federal judge halted an expanded recreational red snapper season in the Southeast Atlantic, setting up a legal fight involving anglers and environmental groups.

Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved over $5.5 million in Public Assistance for Puerto Rico, including repairs tied to Hurricanes Fiona and Maria—covering school building exteriors/interiors, Arecibo facilities and park equipment, Capuchin Friars properties, and Canóvanas infrastructure like culverts and embankments. Coastal Protection Fight: The ACLU of Puerto Rico urged lawmakers to reject House Bill 25, saying a proposed redefinition of the maritime-terrestrial zone would weaken coastal environmental protections and ignore climate change and sea-level rise. Campus Access & Protests: RUM (University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez) reached agreements with the General Student Council to end protests while guaranteeing free campus access and academic continuity. Local Governance & Resilience: Ponce presented a $112.2 million municipal budget for FY 2026-2027, including emergency management upgrades and disaster-related housing support via the Ponce Rehabilita program. Weather Watch: Heavy rain is expected to continue through the weekend into Monday, with dangerous downpours highlighted for road safety. Economic Development: DDEC advanced initiatives with CEMEX focused on industrial innovation, supply chain development, and sustainable manufacturing growth.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $5.5 million in Public Assistance funding for Puerto Rico, including repairs tied to Hurricanes Fiona and Maria—covering schools, municipal infrastructure, and public health/safety protection. Coastal Protection Fight: The ACLU of Puerto Rico urged lawmakers to reject House Bill 25, saying a proposed redefinition of the maritime-terrestrial zone would weaken coastal protections, enable private claims, and ignore sea-level rise. Campus Access: At the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (RUM), interim chancellor Miguel Muñoz and the General Student Council reached agreements to end protests while guaranteeing free access to campus and academic continuity. Local Governance & Resilience: Ponce unveiled a historic $112.2 million municipal budget for 2026-2027, with spending across public safety, infrastructure, housing support, and emergency response capacity. Community Land & Environment: A Barbuda land-rights activist, John Mussington, discussed how communal land stewardship resists luxury development pressures tied to environmental harm.

Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure: The EPA is sending $27.4 million to Puerto Rico to replace lead pipes in the island’s water system, part of a broader federal push to cut lead exposure. Public Health & Climate Risk: A new U.S. dengue analysis finds 2024 cases jumped 359% over the 2010–2023 average, with most infections tied to travel to the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and warnings that climate change could help expand mosquito-friendly conditions. Local Environment Governance: A petition to halt tree cutting in Old San Juan has surpassed 2,000 signatures, adding pressure as residents push back on impacts to the historic urban canopy. Energy Burden for Latinos: Reporting highlights how rising fuel and electricity costs are hitting Hispanic households harder, forcing families to choose between cooling and other essentials. Nature & Community: Cayey’s proposal for a Great Urban Park aims to reconnect people with nature, while Puerto Rico’s power grid is described as caught between competing realities by the top utility regulator.