SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has collected 2 million cubic yards of debris from the island as of Jan. 9, and has exceeded the halfway mark in collecting debris tasked to USACE after hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“We’ve reached a significant milestone in helping Puerto Ricans return to their normal way of life,” said Jasmine Smith, debris mission manager. “You’re seeing less piles ready for pick-up, less debris along the roads. You can see the progress, and you’ll continue to see it as we’re collecting almost 40,000 cubic yards every day.”
The debris removal effort in Puerto Rico began after hurricanes Irma and Maria left an estimated 6.2 million cubic yards of vegetative and construction and demolition debris scattered around the island. USACE was tasked to remove 3.9 million cubic yards of debris.
Recently, Hormigueros became the first municipality on the island to complete the debris mission with USACE. Of the 78 municipalities on the island, 55 municipalities have requested USACE assistance in removing the debris.
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Release no. 18-008