2021 Recovery Plan 

Performance Report

Published August 31, 2021

GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO RICO

Coronavirus State 

Fiscal Recovery 

Fund
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

Government of Puerto Rico

Recovery Plan 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

2021 Report
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

Government of Puerto Rico

2021 Recovery Plan

Contents

General Overview...................................................................................................................................4

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................4

Uses of Funds..................................................................................................................................................5

Economic Development..............................................................................................................................6

Quality of Life..............................................................................................................................................6

Future Projects ...........................................................................................................................................7

Government of Excellence..........................................................................................................................7

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability.............................................................................................7

Promoting Equitable Outcomes.....................................................................................................................8

Economically Disadvantaged Communities................................................................................................8

Low Income Workers..................................................................................................................................9

Community Engagement..............................................................................................................................10

Labor Practices .............................................................................................................................................11

Compliance with Non-Discrimination.......................................................................................................11

Compliance with the Copeland "Anti-Kickback" Act ................................................................................12

Compliance with the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act ....................................................13

Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment 31 U.S.C. § 1352 (as amended)............................................................14

Use of Evidence ............................................................................................................................................15

Expenses by Expenditure Category ..............................................................................................................16

EC 1: Public Health....................................................................................................................................17

EC 2: Negative Economic Impacts ............................................................................................................18

EC 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities..................................................................19

EC 4: Premium Pay....................................................................................................................................20

EC 5: Infrastructure...................................................................................................................................21

EC 6: Revenue Replacement.....................................................................................................................22

EC 7: Administrative and Other................................................................................................................23
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

Program Inventory ...............................................................................................................................24

Economic Development Programs....................................................................................................24

Return to Work.........................................................................................................................................24

Promote Puerto Rico ................................................................................................................................26

Quality of Life Programs.........................................................................................................................27

“Premium Pay” to Essential Public & Private Sector Workers .................................................................27

“Premium Pay” to Employees at Department of Health Hospitals..........................................................28

“Premium Pay” to Employees of the Department of Corrections ...........................................................29

“Premium Pay” to Private, Public Hospitals & CDT Workers ...................................................................30

Assistance to Non-Profit Organizations (NGOs).......................................................................................31

Strengthen Genomic Surveillance ............................................................................................................32

Vaccination Incentives..............................................................................................................................33

Digital Vaccine Certificate.........................................................................................................................34

Future Projects Programs.......................................................................................................................35

Improvements to Educational Institutions...............................................................................................35

Caño Martín Peña.....................................................................................................................................36

DTOP – Maintenance of Roads.................................................................................................................37

Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure ............................................................................................................38

Government of Excellence Programs...............................................................................................39

Cultural Rescue.........................................................................................................................................39

Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean........................................................................40

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability Program................................................................................41

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability...........................................................................................41

Performance Report.............................................................................................................................42

Quality of Life Programs.........................................................................................................................42

“Premium Pay” to Essential Public & Private Sector Workers .................................................................42

Future Projects Programs.......................................................................................................................42

Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure ............................................................................................................42

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision...............................................................................................43

Cadence of Updates .............................................................................................................................44
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

General Overview

Executive Summary 

Since March of 2020, Puerto Rico, like most jurisdictions in the United States and 

countries around the world, has experienced an unprecedented emergency 

caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic. To slow the 

spread of the disease and ensure the stability of its healthcare system, the 

Government of Puerto Rico implemented measures to address the emergency. On 

March 12, 2020, the Government of Puerto Rico issued Administrative Bulletin OE2020-020 through which it formally declared a state of emergency due to the 

imminent impact of the coronavirus in Puerto Rico. 

During the state of emergency, Puerto Rico suffered great loss of life and severe 

economic hardships which impacted a Commonwealth still reeling from natural 

disasters. Puerto Rico has lost over 2,500 citizens to the pandemic1, tourism dwindled 

with hotel registrations falling 95% from February to April 20202, and ~460,000 

residents of Puerto Rico - twice the previous number of unemployed individuals3 -

experienced unemployment. Despite these hardships, Puerto Rico persevered, and 

with over 3,900,0004 doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered, Puerto Rico is 

positioned to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As Puerto Rico emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it must continue to address 

the lingering public health emergency while targeting areas and industries in need 

of economic development. Despite the daunting task ahead, Puerto Rico has 

received $4.02 billion in combined funding through the Coronavirus State Fiscal 

Recovery Fund (“CSFRF”) and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (“CLFRF”), 

both part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The CSFRF provides funding to 

states and territories, while the CLFRF provides funding to counties, metropolitan 

cities, and non-entitlement units of local government. Puerto Rico received $2.47

and $1.55 billion under the CSFRF and CLFRF respectively.

Through the CSFRF and the CLFRF, Puerto Rico was provided a substantial infusion of 

resources to meet pandemic response needs and to help revitalize the economy as 

the country recovers. This plan details how Puerto Rico will leverage CSFRF funds to 

achieve its strategic objectives. 

1 CDC Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory, July 2021 2 Discover Puerto Rico, “Industry Update COVID-19 – May 1, 2020”, 2020 3 Gobierno de Puerto Rico Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos, “Empleo y Desempleo en Puerto Rico,” in Información del 

Mercado Laboral, 2021, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employed persons by class of worker and part-time status” 2021 4 CDC COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States, July 2021
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

Uses of Funds

Despite many future unknowns, it is important that the Government of Puerto Rico 

has a clear plan for use of the funds allocated to the Commonwealth under the 

CSFRF. The Puerto Rico CSFRF Strategic Disbursement Plan has several defined 

strategic objectives. These strategic objectives are: Economic Development, 

Quality of Life, Future Projects, and Government of Excellence all while ensuring 

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability.

All disbursements of these funds are subject to the strictest standards in order to 

ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each 

request for disbursement, both by the public and private sectors, must be duly 

documented and are subject to controls and future audits. 

The Government of Puerto Rico continues to evaluate the most appropriate and 

impactful uses of CSFRF funds. Upon further consideration, programs and priorities 

may change, and Government of Puerto Rico will work with its Disbursement 

Oversight Committee, the office of the Governor (Fortaleza), Government of Puerto 

Rico agencies, business and community leaders, as well as its citizens to identify 

compliant, impactful use of funds. 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

The following initial assignments have been made to each strategic objective:

Economic Development $520,000,000

Quality of Life $595,000,000

Future Projects $600,000,000

Government of Excellence $530,061,908

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability $225,000,000

Total Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds $2,470,061,908

Each strategic objective is composed of enabling programs that bring further 

definition and robust focus to the investment of funds distributed under CSFRF.

Economic Development

To respond to the short- and long-term economic impacts of COVID-19, the 

Government of Puerto Rico will allocate significant funding to ensure the necessary 

economic stimulus is delivered to persevere through these difficult times, while 

investing in future economic prosperity. 

Strategic Objective / Program Allocation

Economic Development $520,000,000

Return to Work $150,000,000 

Promote Puerto Rico $120,000,000 

Phase II (reserved for future program allocations) $250,000,000 

Quality of Life

To ensure an equitable and strong public health recovery from the COVID-19 

pandemic, the Government of Puerto Rico will allocate significant funding to

programs aimed at improving the health and quality of life of its citizens.

Strategic Objective / Program Allocation

Quality of Life $595,000,000

“Premium Pay” to Essential Public & Private Sector Workers $200,000,000 

Premium Pay to Private, Public Hospital & CDT Workers $75,000,000 

Assistance to Non-Profit Organizations (NGOs) $30,000,000 

Strengthen Genomic Surveillance $20,000,000 

Well-being and Mental Health $15,000,000 

Elderly Assistance Centers $15,000,000 

Adoption and Family Service Centers $15,000,000 

Vaccination Incentives $10,000,000 

Digital Vaccine Certificate $1,500,000 

Phase II (reserved for future program allocations) $213,500,000 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

Future Projects

The CSFRF allows recipients to use funds to make necessary investments for future 

growth and prosperity. To make these necessary investments, the Government of 

Puerto Rico will allocate significant funding for future projects.

Strategic Objective / Program Allocation

Future Projects $600,000,000

Improvements to Educational Institutions $276,808,592 

Caño Martín Peña $130,000,000 

DTOP - Maintenance of Roads $100,000,000 

Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure $27,844,763 

Environmental Conservation & Natural Resources Initiative $10,000,000 

Phase II (reserved for future program allocations) $55,346,645 

Government of Excellence

The Government of Puerto Rico provides valuable services to its citizens with many 

of these services impacting economically disadvantaged individuals. To build a 

sustainable future, these government services must be protected.

Strategic Objective / Program Allocation

Government of Excellence $530,061,908

Municipal Strengthening Fund $150,000,000 

University of Puerto Rico $94,000,000 

Citizen Excellence Service $50,000,000 

Cultural Rescue $50,000,000 

Low Income Housing Repairs $50,000,000 

Legislature and Judiciary $40,000,000 

Legal Assistance to the Citizen $15,000,000 

Cardiovascular Center of PR and the Caribbean $1,200,000 

Phase II (reserved for future program allocations) $79,861,908 

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability

While the Government of Puerto Rico’s strategic objectives are Economic 

Development, Quality of Life, Future Projects, and Government of Excellence, none 

of these objectives would be possible without establishing mechanisms for 

Compliance, Transparency, and Accountability to demonstrate that CSFRF funds

were used in a compliant manner that was focused on equitable and impactful

outcomes.

Strategic Objective / Program Allocation

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability $225,000,000

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability $225,000,000
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

Promoting Equitable Outcomes 

In alignment with the January 20, 2021, Presidential Executive Order on Advancing 

Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal 

Government, the Government of Puerto Rico is committed to ensuring CSFRF 

resources are used in a way that promote equitable outcomes for the people of 

Puerto Rico.

The Government of Puerto Rico is in the process of further defining key areas of 

impact and developing CSFRF programs. As an example, the Government of Puerto 

Rico is reviewing impacts to Economically Disadvantaged Communities (EDCs) 

within the Commonwealth and low-income workers to help information key focus 

areas for CSFRF programs. Additional information regarding the promotion of 

equitable outcomes will be available in future publications of this report.

Included below are representations of how equitable outcomes are being 

promoted through the programs that are active as of July 31, 2021.

Economically Disadvantaged Communities

The U.S. Treasury recognizes that individuals in low-income communities may have 

been disproportionately impacted by economic and public health effects of the 

COVID-19 public health emergency. Because of this, the U.S. Treasury determined 

that services and programs in low-income communities, identified as Qualified 

Census Tracts (“QCTs”), will be presumed to be responding to the public health 

emergency. A QCT is defined by the U.S. Treasury in the Interim Final Rule as “a 

common, readily accessible, and geographically granular method of identifying 

communities with a large proportion of low-income residents”. There are 209 such 

communities in Puerto Rico that are home to over 400,000 citizens.

The Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure program is targeting Puerto Rico EDCs.

Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure

This program is focused on preventing dangerous flooding in the municipalities of 

Cataño and San Juan such as was recently experienced because of Hurricanes 

Irma and María. The program will benefit 59,000 Residents within 39 low-income 

QCTs. This program will prevent the displacement of low-income families to other 

areas of the community from those affected and served by the flood control system; 

such displacement in the past has generated challenges of overcrowding. 

Overcrowding contributes to the spread of diseases such as COVID-19 in these 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

families and a proliferation of conditions that can cause new health challenges for 

the effected communities.

Low Income Workers

The following program is targeting low-income workers.

“Premium Pay” to Essential Public & Private Sector Workers

The program’s objective is to recognize and reward essential public and private 

sector workers who responded to the effects of COVID-19. Because this program 

only includes workers with wages of $40,000 or less, this aid prioritizes compensation 

for lower income eligible workers that perform essential services. 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10

Community Engagement

The various agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico, local government leaders, 

and Fortaleza are in constant contact with constituents and continually solicit and 

receive input regarding community needs and best interests, including those in 

traditionally underserved groups.

Many of the planned programs that will use CSFRF resources are based on needs 

communicated directly by constituents. The Government of Puerto Rico is currently 

gathering source information to qualify and quantify those that were developed in 

coordination with community input. Some of the avenues for soliciting and receiving 

community input include, but are not limited to, press conferences, Q&A sessions, 

press releases, webinars, input from local government leaders, non-profit 

organizations, and social media outreach.

The Future Projects program of Caño Martín Peña is one such example of a program 

developed in response to constituents defining a need. Additional details around 

the community contribution of this and other CSFRF Programs will be available in 

future reporting cycles.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11

Labor Practices

As of this reporting period, the Government of Puerto Rico has identified two

infrastructure project that are currently being rolled out. 

Once the programs are fully initiated, future reports will highlight the relevant 

workforce practices that utilize strong labor standards to promote effective and 

efficient delivery of high-quality infrastructure while also supporting the economic 

recovery through equitable employment opportunities for workers were applicable.

Currently Planned Infrastructure Projects:

• Caño Martín Peña—reconnecting lagoons and canals of San Juan

• Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure-- protecting citizens from flooding

All sub-recipients working with the Government of Puerto Rico on currently planned 

infrastructure projects are contractually required to comply will all applicable 

federal law, regulations, executive orders, FEMA policies, procedures, and 

directives. This compliance includes but is not limited to the following.

Compliance with Non-Discrimination

1) The SUB-RECIPIENT will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for 

employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The SUBRECIPIENT will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and 

that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, 

religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the 

following: Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment 

advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and 

selection for training, including apprenticeship. The SUB-RECIPIENT agrees to post in 

conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 

notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

2) The SUB-RECIPIENT will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed

by or on behalf of the SUB-RECIPIENT, state that all qualified applicants will 

receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, 

sex, or national origin.

3) The SUB-RECIPIENT will send to each labor union or representative of workers with 

which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, 

a notice to be provided advising said labor union or workers' representatives, of the 

SUB-RECIPIENT's commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 

in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.

4) The SUB-RECIPIENT will comply with all provisions of Executive Order 11246 of 

September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the 

Secretary of Labor.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12

5) The SUB-RECIPIENT will furnish all information and reports required by Executive Order 

11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary 

of Labor, or pursuant thereto, and will permit access to his books, records, and 

accounts by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes of 

investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, regulations, and orders.

6) In the event of the SUB-RECIPIENT's noncompliance with the nondiscrimination 

clauses of this contract or with any of the said rules, regulations, or orders, this 

contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part and the 

SUB-RECIPIENT may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts or 

federally assisted construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized 

in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other sanctions as may 

be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in Executive Order 11246 of 

September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as 

otherwise provided by law.

7) The SUB-RECIPIENT will include the portion of the sentence immediately

preceding paragraph (1) and the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (7) in

every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by rules, regulations, or

orders ofthe Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to section 204 of Executive Order 

11246 of September 24, 1965, so that such provisions will be binding upon each 

sub- contractor or vendor. The SUB-RECIPIENT will take such action with respect 

to any subcontract or purchase order as the administering agency may direct 

as a means of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for 

noncompliance: Provided, however, that in the event the SUB-RECIPIENT

becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a sub-contractor or 

vendor as a result of such direction by the administering agency, the SUBRECIPIENT may request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect 

the interests of the United States.

Compliance with the Copeland "Anti-Kickback" Act

1) The SUB-RECIPIENT shall comply with 18 U.S.C. § 874, 40 .S.C. § 3145, andthe

requirements of 29 C.F.R. pt. 3 as may beapplicable, whichare incorporated by

reference into this contract.

2) Subcontracts. The SUB-RECIPIENT or subcontractors shall insert in any

subcontracts the clause above and suchother clauses as the DEPARTMENT may

by appropriate instructions require, and also a clause requiring the subcontractors to includetheseclauses in any lowertiersubcontracts. Theprime SUBRECIPIENT shall be responsible for the compliance by any sub-contractors or 

lower tier sub- contractors with allthese contract clauses.

3) Subcontracts. The contractor or subcontractor shall insert in any subcontracts the 

clause above and such other clauses as the FEMA may by appropriate instructions 

require, and also a clause requiring the subcontractors to include these clauses in 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13

any lower tier subcontracts. The prime contractor shall be responsible for the 

compliance by any subcontractor or lower tier subcontractor with all these 

contract clauses.

4) Breach. Abreach ofthe CONTRACT clauses abovemay beground for

terminationof the CONTRACT, and for debarment as a contractor and 

subcontractor as provided in 29 C.F.R. § 5.12.

Compliance with the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act

1) Overtime requirements. No SUB-RECIPIENT or sub-contractors contracting for any 

part of the contract work which may require or involve the employment of laborers 

or mechanics shall require or permit any such laborer or mechanic in any workweek 

in which he or she is employed on such work to work in excess of forty hours in such 

workweek unless such laborer or mechanic receives compensation at a rate not 

less than one and one-half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess 

of forty hours in such workweek.

2) Violation; liability for unpaid wages; liquidated damages. In the event of any 

violation of the clause set forth in paragraph (1) of this section, the SUBRECIPIENT and any sub-contractors responsible therefor shall be liable for · the 

unpaid wages. In addition, such SUB-RECIPIENT and subcontractor shall be liable to 

the United States (in the case of work done under contract for the District of 

Columbia or a territory, to such District or to such territory), for liquidated damages. 

Such liquidated damages shall be computed with respect to each individual 

laborer or mechanic, including watchmen and guards, employed in violation of the 

clause set forth in paragraph (1) of this section, in the sum of $10 for each calendar 

day on which such individual was required or permitted to work in excess of the 

standard workweek of forty hours without payment of the overtime wages required 

by the clause set forth in paragraph (1) of this section.

3) Withholding for unpaid wages and liquidated damages. The DEPARTMENT shall 

upon its own action or upon written request of an authorized representative of the 

Department of Labor withhold or cause to be withheld, from any moneys payable 

on account of work performed by the SUB-RECIPIENT or sub- contractor under any 

such contract or any other Federal contract with the same prime SUB-RECIPIENT, or 

any other federally-assisted contract subject to the Contract Work Hours and Safety 

Standards Act, which is held by the same prime SUB-RECIPIENT, such sums as may 

be determined to be necessary to satisfy any liabilities of such SUB-RECIPIENT or subcontractor for unpaid wages and liquidated damages as provided in the clause set 

forth in paragraph (2) of this section.

4) Subcontracts. The SUB-RECIPIENT or sub-contractor shall insert in any subcontracts 

the clauses set forth in paragraph (1) through (4) of this section and also a clause 

requiring the sub-contractor to include these clauses in any lower tier subcontracts. 

The prime SUB-RECIPIENT shall be responsible for compliance by any sub-contractor 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 14

or lower tier sub-contractor with the clauses set forth in paragraphs (1) through (4) 

of this section.

Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment 31 U.S.C. § 1352 (as amended)

Contractors who apply or bid for an award of $100,000 or more shall file the required 

certification. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal 

appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to 

influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or 

employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with 

obtaining any Federal contract, grant, or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. § 1352. 

Each tier shall also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in 

connection with obtaining any Federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to 

tier up to the recipient.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 15

Use of Evidence

The Government of Puerto Rico is ensuring that implemented programs have 

underlying evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the overall approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for the 

Government of Puerto Rico’s CSFRF programs. Additional program specific

evidence information will be provided in the Program Inventory as each program is 

initiated.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 16

Expenses by Expenditure Category

Expenditure Category is an additional way to group how the Government of Puerto 

Rico is targeting the distribution of CSFRF. In addition to the strategic objectives and 

programs determined by the Government of Puerto Rico to ensure the effective 

investment of CSFRF resources, the U.S. Treasury has outlined Expenditure Categories 

within which each program of the Government of Puerto Rico’s CSFRF Strategic 

Disbursement Plan must be defined. Relevant expenditures under these seven 

general categories and 66 sub-categories, along with the associated Government 

of Puerto Rico’s programs, are provided in the tables below.

Category

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Public Health 0 0

2 Negative Economic Impact 0 0

3 Services to Disproportionately Impacted 

Communities

0 0

4 Premium Pay 4,106,000.00 4,106,000.00

5 Infrastructure 0 0

6 Revenue Replacement 5,515,896.62 5,515,896.62

7 Administrative and Other 62,424,849.50 62,424,849.50

Total 72,046,746.12 72,046,746.12
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 17

EC 1: Public Health

Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 continues to require an unprecedented public 

health response from the Government of Puerto Rico. CSFRF provides resources to 

meet these needs through the provision of care for those impacted by the virus and 

through services that address disparities in public health that have been 

exacerbated by the pandemic. This funding is being used to address a broad range 

of public health needs across COVID-19 mitigation, medical expenses, and public 

health resources.5

Expenditure Category6

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination

• Vaccination Incentives 0 0

1.2 COVID-19 Testing

• Strengthen Genomic Surveillance 0 0

1.8 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses 

(including Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine)

• Digital Vaccine Certificate 0 0

Public Health, Subtotal 0 0

5 FLFRP Fact Sheet May 2021 6 Not all available categories are displayed; only those categories under which CSFRF programs have been launched

are listed.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 18

EC 2: Negative Economic Impacts

The COVID-19 public health emergency resulted in significant economic hardship 

for many Puerto Ricans. A substantial number of jobs were lost with the onset of the 

pandemic beginning in early 2020 as businesses closed, consumers stayed home, 

schools shifted to remote education, and travel declined precipitously. Although 

many sectors have made progress returning employees to the workforce, the 

economy is still striving to recover to its pre-pandemic state. To help alleviate the 

economic hardships caused by the pandemic and accelerate citizens into the 

workforce, CSFRF enables the Government of Puerto Rico to provide a wide range

of assistance to individuals and households, businesses, impacted industries, and 

non-profits.7

Expenditure Category8

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic 

Impacts

2.7 Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral jobtraining, Subsidized Employment, 

Employment Supports or Incentives)

• Return to Work 0 0

2.10 Aid to nonprofit organizations

• Assistance to Non-Profit 

Organizations (NGOs)

0 0

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

• Promote Puerto Rico 0 0

Negative Economic Impact, Subtotal 0 0

7 FLFRP Fact Sheet May 2021

8 Not all available categories are displayed; only those categories under which CSFRF programs have been launched 

are listed.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 19

EC 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities

While the pandemic has affected communities across the country, it has 

disproportionately impacted low-income families. Low-income and socially 

vulnerable communities have experienced the most severe health impacts. CSFRF

helps provide the Government of Puerto Rico the resources to address the 

disproportionate public health and economic impacts of the crisis on the hardesthit communities, populations, and households.9

Expenditure Category10

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities

Services to Disproportionately Impacted 

Communities, Subtotal

0 0

9 FLFRP Fact Sheet May 2021 10 Not all available categories are displayed; only those categories under which CSFRF programs have been launched 

are listed. Although programs under this Expenditure Category are under consideration, none were launched prior to 

July 31, 2021.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 20

EC 4: Premium Pay

CSFRF provides resources for the Government of Puerto Rico to recognize the heroic 

contributions of essential workers and incentives for them to continue their service. 

Since the start of the public health emergency, essential workers have put their 

physical well-being at risk to meet the daily needs of their communities and to 

provide care for others. Many of these essential workers have not until now received 

compensation for the heightened risks they have faced and continue to face.11

Expenditure Category

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay

4.1 Public Sector Employees

• “Premium Pay” to Essential Public 

Workers

• Premium Pay to Public Hospital & 

CDT Workers

0

4,106,000.00

0

4,106,000.00

4.2 Private Sector: Grants to other employers

• “Premium Pay” to Essential Private 

Sector Workers

• Premium Pay to Private Hospital & 

CDT Workers

0

0

0

0

Premium Pay, Subtotal 4,106,000.00 4,106,000.00

11 FLFRP Fact Sheet May 2021
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 21

EC 5: Infrastructure

CSFRF supports the Government of Puerto Rico with investing in necessary 

improvements to the water and sewer infrastructures of the Commonwealth that 

are of the highest priority for local communities.12

Expenditure Category13

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure

5.5 Clean Water: Other sewer infrastructure

• Caño Martín Peña 0 0

5.6 5.6 - Clean Water: Stormwater

• Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure 5,515,896.62 5,515,896.62

Infrastructure, Subtotal 5,515,896.62 5,515,896.62

12 FLFRP Fact Sheet May 2021 13 Not all available categories are displayed; only those categories under which CSFRF programs have been launched 

are listed. 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 22

EC 6: Revenue Replacement

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Government of Puerto Rico, like 

many other State, local, and Tribal governments, is experiencing a reduction in 

revenue, increase in spending needs, and therefore significant budget shortfalls, 

which can lead to devastating impacts on local communities within the 

Commonwealth. These budget shortfalls are particularly problematic in the current 

environment, as the Government of Puerto Rico works to mitigate and contain the 

ongoing COVID–19 pandemic and help citizens weather the economic downturn. 

Furthermore, the budget of the Government of Puerto Rico has a direct impact on 

the broader economic recovery of Commonwealth. The CSFRF enables the 

Government of Puerto Rico to address select budget shortfalls and avoid cuts to 

government services, enabling the Commonwealth to continue to provide valuable 

services.14

Expenditure Category

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue 

Replacement

6.1 Provision of Government Services

• Improvements to Educational 

Institutions

• DTOP - Road Maintenance

• Cultural Rescue

• Cardiovascular Center of PR and the 

Caribbean

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Revenue Replacement, Subtotal 0 0

14 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Interim Final Rule, May 2021
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 23

EC 7: Administrative and Other

CSFRF provides resources for the Government of Puerto Rico to distribute funding to 

local government entities of the Commonwealth, to ensure the unique needs of 

local communities can be addressed. As well, CSFRF provides the necessary support 

to ensure adequate and relevant compliance, transparency, and accountability is 

in place throughout every level of the Government of Puerto Rico.

Expenditure Category15

(∙ Program)

Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

7 Administrative and Other

7.4 Transfers to Non-entitlement Units

• Transfers to Non-Entitlement Units 62,424,849.50 62,424,849.50

Administrative and Other, Subtotal 62,424,849.50 62,424,849.50

15 Not all available categories are displayed; only those categories under which CSFRF programs have been launched 

are listed. 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 24

Program Inventory

Below, grouped by strategic objective, is a summary of each enabling program that

the Government of Puerto Rico is currently undertaking to promote the greatest 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico in its expenditures under CSFRF. Additional 

programs are being defined and will be included in subsequent reports.

Economic Development Programs

Return to Work

Investment: $150,000,000

Expenditure Category: 2.7 - Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral job-training, 

Subsidized Employment, Employment Supports or Incentives)

Project Overview: The federal government provided substantial unemployment 

assistance to unemployed individuals during the COIVD-19 pandemic. As Puerto 

Rico reopens, businesses require employees to be able to provide the goods and 

services on which Puerto Rico’s economy is built.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective and 

initial use of funds guardrails. This material will be elaborated during future reporting 

cycles.

The program’s objective is to provide a return-to-work bonus to employees that work 

a minimum number of hours in the restaurant, bar, hospitality, agriculture, 

transportation, and construction industries so that businesses have the required 

employees to revitalize the economy. Of the funds invested in this program, the total 

amount available to each industry is as follows:

• $50 Million – Restaurant and Bars

• $20 Million – Hospitality

• $50 Million – Agriculture

• $30 Million – Construction

To ensure funds reach the intended recipients, employers must:
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 25

• Register in the Merchants Registry of the Department of the Treasury with the 

main trade or business activity NAICS code associated with the targeted 

industries

• Provide specific 2020 tax documents

To ensure funds reach the intended recipients, employees must:

• Receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) up until the start of a new 

position in an eligible industry

• Stop claiming unemployment benefits upon receiving offer of employment in 

an eligible industry

• Begin employment with a new employer that is classified by an eligible NAICS 

code between July 1, 2021 and September 4, 2021 (“Eligible Period”)

• Commit to abiding by the Program’s terms and conditions

• Agree to return the program funds, if it is determined that they did not comply 

with any of the program eligibility requirements
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 26

Promote Puerto Rico

Investment: $120,000,000

Expenditure Category: 2.11 - Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

Project Overview: Puerto Rico’s tourism was significantly impacted by COVID-19 

lockdowns. In order to accelerate tourism recovery, the Visit Puerto Rico program 

will Allocate resources to 1) promote Puerto Rico as a tourist destination, 2) attract 

conferences/events, and 3) allocate funds to revitalize tourist attractions and 

natural resources. Intended for eligible marketing within their respective areas:

• Promotion of Puerto Rico as a tourist destination - $50 million

• Revitalize tourist attractions, natural resources, & balnearios - $25 million

• Promote domestic tourism - $20 million

• Fostering Puerto Rico as an entertainment & convention destination - $10 

million

• Market Puerto Rico as an investment destination - $10 million

• Infrastructure improvements to the Capital district - $5 million

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to revitalize Puerto Rico’s tourism industry by marketing it 

as a tourist destination and attracting events with out-of-state tourists.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 27

Quality of Life Programs

“Premium Pay” to Essential Public & Private Sector Workers

Investment: $160,000,000

Expenditure Categories: 4.1 - Public Sector Employees, 4.2 - Private Sector: Grants to 

Other Employers (sub-projects will be established that ensure the tracking of funding 

between public and private sectors)

Project Overview: Essential workers have been, and continue to be, pivotal in 

responding to the effects of COVID-19. To recognize these workers, Puerto Rico will 

provide premium pay for eligible work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective and 

initial use of funds guardrails. This material will be elaborated during future reporting 

cycles.

The program’s objective is to recognize and reward essential public and private 

sector workers who responded to the effects of COVID-19.

This aid will prioritize compensation of those lower income eligible workers that 

perform essential work by ensuring that premium pay cannot exceed $13 per hour 

and cumulatively $25,000 per worker as defined by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 28

“Premium Pay” to Employees at Department of Health Hospitals

Investment: $20,000,000

Expenditure Category: 4.1 - Public Sector Employees

Project Overview: Essential workers have been, and continue to be, pivotal in 

responding to the effects of COVID-19. To recognize these workers, the Government 

of Puerto Rico will provide premium pay for work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to recognize and reward essential public hospital workers 

who responded to the effects of COVID-19.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 29

“Premium Pay” to Employees of the Department of Corrections

Investment: $20,000,000

Expenditure Category: 4.1 - Public Sector Employees

Project Overview: Essential workers have been, and continue to be, pivotal in 

responding to the effects of COVID-19. To recognize these workers, the Government 

of Puerto Rico will provide premium pay for work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to recognize and reward essential Department of 

Corrections workers who responded to the effects of COVID-19.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 30

“Premium Pay” to Private, Public Hospitals & CDT Workers

Investment: $75,000,000

Expenditure Category: 4.1 - Public Sector Employees, 4.2 - Private Sector: Grants to 

Other Employers (sub-projects will be established that ensure the tracking of funding 

between public and private sectors)

Project Overview: Essential workers have been, and continue to be, pivotal in 

responding to the effects of COVID-19. To recognize these workers, the Government 

of Puerto Rico will provide premium pay for work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to recognize and reward essential private hospital and 

Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT) workers who responded to the effects 

of COVID-19.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 31

Assistance to Non-Profit Organizations (NGOs)

Investment: $30,000,000

Expenditure Category: 2.10 - Aid to Nonprofit Organizations

Project Overview: In order to ensure Puerto Rico’s most vulnerable populations have 

access to services during the COVID-19 emergency, the program will provide 

financial assistance to non-profits offering services to these commnities as well as 

business interruption grants to ensure continuity of operations.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to provide non-profits with funding to continue offering 

critical services to vulnerable populations.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 32

Strengthen Genomic Surveillance

Investment: $20,000,000

Expenditure Category: 1.2 - COVID-19 Testing

Project Overview: Genetic mutations make controlling a virus difficult, and an 

important component of controlling a virus is detecting new virus strains. To support 

the Puerto Rico Department of Health with detecting the new virus strains, these 

funds will be used to establish and enhance a genomic surveillance program.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to establish and enhance a genomic surveillance 

program to respond to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 33

Vaccination Incentives

Investment: $10,000,000

Expenditure Category: 1.1 - COVID-19 Vaccination

Project Overview: As of June 8, 2021, healthcare providers in Puerto Rico had 

administered over 2.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine representing just under 53% 

of its total population. To reward previously vaccinated individuals and promote the 

continuity of vaccination campaigns, the Government of Puerto Rico will provide 

lottery drawings, cultural experiences, vaccinated only events, and individual 

vaccination incentives exclusively for vaccinated individuals.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to reward previously vaccinated individuals and incent 

eligible members of Puerto Rico’s unvaccinated population to receive a 

vaccination.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 34

Digital Vaccine Certificate

Investment: $1,500,000

Expenditure Category: 1.1 - COVID-19 Vaccination

Project Overview: To promote the safety of the citizens of Puerto Rico, these funds 

will create a digital vaccination passport that can interface with other systems in the 

United States and around the world while ensuring the security of individual’s data.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to create a digital vaccination passport that will allow 

users to validate their vaccination status and enable a more informed freedom of 

movement.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 35

Future Projects Programs

Improvements to Educational Institutions

Investment: $276,808,592

Expenditure Category: 6.1 - Provision of Government Services

Project Overview: As a result of ongoing natural disasters, approximately 684 Puerto 

Rican schools have been structurally damaged. The structural damage to these 

schools rendered them completely unsuitable for education due to danger of 

collapse and severe bodily harm to teachers and students. Thus, since before the 

COVID-19 public health emergency, students in these affected by these school 

closures have been unable to attend in-person instruction and those schools have 

relied on distance learning programs to varying degrees of success.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to provide the Puerto Rico Department of Education with 

the funding required to make structural repairs of damaged schools, allowing them 

to open for in-person instruction by the Fall Semester of 2021.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 36

Caño Martín Peña

Investment: $130,000,000

Expenditure Category: 5.5 - Clean Water: Other Sewer Infrastructure

Project Overview: The Caño Martín Peña district is an area that can transform the 

city of San Juan by reconnecting lagoons and canals that are part of the estuary. 

To facilitate this transformation, the program will partner with the Puerto Rico 

Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (“PRASA”) to make necessary investments in water 

and sewer infrastructure. These investments will help inject $587 million into the 

economy and prevent future disastrous flooding conditions. Failure to complete the 

project can amount to $773 million in costs associated with property loss and health 

impacts during the next 100-year rain event.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to provide funding to make the necessary sewer and 

water investments in the Caño Martín Peña district which seeks to transform the city, 

reconnect waterways, revitalize tourist interest, mitigate future flooding damage, 

and assist the economically disadvantaged community.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 37

DTOP – Maintenance of Roads

Investment: $100,000,000

Expenditure Category: 6.1 - Provision of Government Services

Project Overview: Roads are vital infrastructure for transportation, trade, and 

community development. This program provides the Department of Transportation 

and Public Works with up to $25M per year for FY22, FY23, and FY24 for road 

maintenance with an additional $25M in FY22 to purchase required equipment.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to provide the Department of Transportation and Public 

Works with supplemental funding to maintain roads in Puerto Rico.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 38

Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure

Investment: $27,844,763

Expenditure Category: 5.6 - Clean Water: Stormwater

Project Overview: The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for 14 flood 

pump stations throughout Puerto Rico. These flood pump stations are used to 

transfer rainwater out of flood-prone areas and are indispensable for certain sectors 

of San Juan in the event of a rain event. As a result of Hurricanes Irma and María, 

these flood pump stations suffered great damage related to the infrastructure and 

pumping system to control floods and mitigate property damage and loss of life.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective and 

initial use of funds guardrails. This material will be elaborated during future reporting 

cycles.

The program’s objective is to make improvements to Puerto Rico’s water 

infrastructure which is critical to protecting its citizens from flooding, and the 

proposed investment would support continued work on Puerto Rico’s by-pass pump 

units through June 30, 2022.

As San Juan metro area is a primary focus of this program, it specifically serves the

59,000 residents in San Juan’s 39 QCTs identified as low-income communities.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 39

Government of Excellence Programs

Cultural Rescue

Investment: $50,000,000

Expenditure Category: 6.1 - Provision of Government Services

Project Overview: Puerto Rico is rich with history and culture, and COVID-19 

restrictions forced many institutions to close, at least temporarily. This program 

provides funding to provide liquidity to cultural institutions, repair historically 

significant buildings, and assist the impacted industry.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to revitalize Puerto Rico’s culture and history and make it 

accessible once again.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 40

Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Investment: $1,200,000

Expenditure Category: 6.1 - Provision of Government Services

Project Overview: With its current medical staff, the Cardiovascular Center of Puerto 

Rico and the Caribbean (CCPRC) is challenged to provide specialized surgical care 

to the vulnerable and at-risk community it serves. Since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, professionals in the public health system have been on the front lines, 

further exacerbating an already difficult task of securing the highly skilled 

cardiothoracic surgeons necessary to provide care through this unique public 

health institution.

This allocation will allow the CCPRC to secure the services of a contract 

cardiothoracic surgeon which is desperately needed in this government owned

cardiovascular surgery center. The goal of this contract will also be to generate its 

own resources to continually fund the professional’s services for the years to come.

Use of Evidence: The Government of Puerto Rico will ensure that this program has 

strong evidence-based confirmation that the outcomes will have the intended 

benefit to the people of Puerto Rico. Once the full evidence-based strategy is 

formalized, this section will describe the specific approach for using evidence and 

evaluation, including, as applicable, how a Learning Agenda supports the 

overarching evaluation efforts to create the evidence-building strategy for this 

program under CSFRF. The following narrative describes the program objective. This 

material will be elaborated during future reporting cycles.

The program’s objective is to provide CCPRC with sufficient funds to contract a 

cardiothoracic surgeon who will provide services to vulnerable and at-risk 

communities.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 41

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability Program

Compliance, Transparency, & Accountability

Investment: $225,000,000

Expenditure Category: 7.1 - Administrative Expenses

Project Overview: In order to operationalize programs, monitor disbursement and 

compliance, comply with Treasury and OIG reporting requirements, and perform the 

required audits, the Government of Puerto Rico needs a mechanism to cover these 

costs. This program will provide the resources necessary to administer CSFRF 

programs and implement mechanisms that control fraud, waste, and abuse.

Use of Evidence: The program’s objective is to provide the government entities 

funding to cover administrative costs associated with all required CSFRF activities.
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 42

Performance Report

Each program or their sub-project(s),where applicable, are grounded in key metrics, 

both output and outcome performance indicators, to show the measurable impact 

resulting from the use of CSFRF resources. This section summarizes the progress made 

against these measurements so citizens of Puerto Rico can understand the benefit 

gained through the programs funded by CSFRF.

Each publication of this report will list only those programs that have funds expended

before the end of the applicable period of activity date range.

Quality of Life Programs

“Premium Pay” to Essential Public & Private Sector Workers

Metric 

Category

Performance Indicator Progress

Output Amount disbursed $4,106,000.00

Output Number of employees receiving awards 1,642

Output Number of private sector employers 

participating in program

0

Outcome Employee retention (gathering data)

Future Projects Programs

Hydraulic Pumping Infrastructure

Metric 

Category

Performance Indicator Progress

Output Amount disbursed $5,515,896.62

Output Number of pumps rented and maintained 14

Output Number of floods in protected areas during 

covered period 

0

Outcome Number of citizens protected from flooding 

events 

(gathering data)

Outcome Change in number of households and 

businesses that sustain flood damage in 

affected area 

0
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 43

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision

The American Rescue Plan Act provided recipients significant flexibility on use of 

CSFRF funds with the hope that these resources would allow recipients to effectively 

respond to the pandemic as well as promote long-term recovery. Despite the 

significant flexibility, Congress noted that CSFRF funds may not be used for ineligible 

purposes, one of which is “directly or indirectly offset[ting] a reduction in the net tax 

revenue of [the] State or territory resulting from a change in law, regulation, or 

administrative interpretation”16 during the covered period. CSFRF’s covered period 

is defined as the period that “began on March 3, 2021, and ends on the last day of 

the fiscal year in which a state spends or returns all CSFRF funds or Treasury recovers 

improperly spent funds”17. To ensure compliance with this provision, Puerto Rico must 

periodically report to U.S. Treasury any modifications to its tax revenue sources.

The Government of Puerto Rico has changed no law, regulation, or administrative 

interpretation to reduce its tax revenue sources during the period beginning on 

March 3, 2021, and ending on July 31, 2021. Further, given that Puerto Rico is in Title 

III, the Financial Oversight and Management Board, created under the Puerto Rico 

Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act of 2016, is required to approve 

any actions requested by the Government of Puerto Rico to reduce taxes and no 

such requests, nor approvals, have occurred during the period beginning on March 

3, 2021, and ending on July 31, 2021. As a result, we find there have been no 

Revenue-reducing Covered Changes for the reporting period. At the time of this 

report, General Fund Revenues for July 2021 was not available.

Item Amount ($)

Revenue-reducing Covered Changes 0

Baseline Revenue (March – June 2019) 5,081,000,000

Inflation Adj Baseline Revenue (4.68828% Q2’19 to Q2’21)18 5,319,211,517

16 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Interim Final Rule, May 2021 17 CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE Spending Clause Conditions and the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, 

April 2, 2021

18 Price deflator based on Bureau of Economic Analysis Table 1.1.9. Implicit Price Deflators for Gross Domestic Product 

https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/iTable.cfm?reqid=19&step=2#reqid=19&step=2&isuri=1&1921=survey 
Government of Puerto Rico: 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 44

General Fund Revenues (March – June 2021) 4,920,229,000

Reduction in Net Tax Revenue (March – June 2021) 398,982,517

Cadence of Updates

This Recovery Plan Performance Report will be updated annually based on the 

following schedule:

Period of Activity Report Publish By Date

Award Date – July 31, 2021 August 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 July 31, 2022

July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 July 31, 2023

July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 July 31, 2024

July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 July 31, 2025

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 July 31, 2026

July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 March 31, 2027