GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $1.5 million to repair the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music for damages caused by Hurricane María. Beyond being a specialized public university, the Conservatory is a symbol of Puerto Rico’s heritage and musical traditions.
To help preserve the unique qualities of this facility, a team of FEMA specialists carefully assessed the damage and construction of the historic structure. Among other measures, these experts considered the fusion of modern features embedded in a building that dates from the XIX Century and is the last construction work completed by the Spanish government on the island.
“The Conservatory is an iconic place for music in Puerto Rico. Given its historic nature, it’s important to restore this facility for future generations,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.
On the other hand, about $367,000 of the funds allocated are destined for mitigation measures to prevent similar damage in future disasters. These include upgrades to avoid water leaks in the roof and windows, which caused most of the damage to this structure.
Professor Pedro Segarra Sisamone, the conservatory’s rector, said FEMA’s evaluation was very comprehensive. “Once the appropriate materials for the restoration were determined, the costs were estimated,” he said.
The Conservatory is home to piano laboratories, a library, concert halls and an amphitheater. In addition to its undergraduate academic offerings, which serve 400 students, the Conservatory offers programs such as “100x35 Music” and the Preparatory School. These develop social skills through music and have a combined total of nearly 1,600 students.
“We are very pleased to help the Conservatory of Music continue offering community and educational services. Music is an art form that has helped us so much during these times and Puerto Rico has an enormous pool of talent that must continue to develop. We appreciate the Conservatory staff members for their great efforts and achievements, particularly during these past months,” said the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, Ottmar Chávez.
To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $19.3 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. FEMA works with COR3 through the agency’s Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.
For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (November 17, 2020) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $1.5 million to repair the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music for damages caused by Hurricane María. Beyond being a specialized public university, the Conservatory is a symbol of Puerto Rico’s heritage and musical traditions.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (November 17, 2020) -- To help preserve the unique qualities of this facility, a team of FEMA specialists carefully assessed the damage and construction of the historic structure. Among other measures, these experts considered the fusion of modern features embedded in a building that dates from the XIX Century and is the last construction work completed by the Spanish government on the island.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (November 17, 2020) -- The Conservatory is home to piano laboratories, a library, concert halls and an amphitheater. In addition to its undergraduate academic offerings, which serve 400 students, the Conservatory offers programs such as “100x35 Music” and the Preparatory School. These develop social skills through music and have a combined total of nearly 1,600 students.