2024-003 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance Finance (Not A Major Program) FEMA Working Capital Advances LRA acknowledges the finding related to the Working Capital Advances (WCA) received through COR3 and their retention in the Authority’s bank account for more than 365 days without being disbursed...
2024-003 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance Finance (Not A Major Program) FEMA Working Capital Advances LRA acknowledges the finding related to the Working Capital Advances (WCA) received through COR3 and their retention in the Authority’s bank account for more than 365 days without being disbursed. LRA has established and currently maintains written procedures for the management of federal funds, which are designed to comply with applicable federal cash management requirements. LRA is committed to safeguarding federal resources and ensuring their use strictly in accordance with Uniform Guidance. The delays experienced in the disbursement of the WCA funds are primarily attributable to external regulatory factors beyond the direct control of the Authority, including: • The ongoing review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) division, which is a prerequisite for project execution. • FEMA’s Environmental consultations are required under federal and local regulations, which have extended project timelines. • The project versioning process arising from requests for improved projects that include additional mitigation measures under the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). These regulatory and compliance-driven requirements have temporarily limited the Authority’s ability to execute disbursements, resulting in the retention of funds until the necessary approvals are finalized. It is important to note that the Authority has continued to actively manage these projects, engaging with FEMA and other relevant agencies to ensure that all environmental, historic preservation, and mitigation requirements are fully addressed before project implementation begins. Furthermore, the Authority recognizes the recent programmatic changes to the WCA program implemented by COR3. In response, the Authority is strengthening its financial management practices to align with these revisions and will ensure that future advance requests are supported by a comprehensive spending plan, considering each project’s status to minimize delays associated with FEMA approvals. In cases where project reviews extend beyond anticipated timelines, the LRA may return the corresponding WCA funds to avoid prolonged retention. Once FEMA approval is obtained, the LRA will then reapply to COR3 for the necessary advances. Ramón Lizardi, Facilities Director Telephone: 787-705-7188 Email: Ramón.lizardi@lra.pr.gov Target Completion Date - 6/30/2025