AAFAF - Autoridad de Asesoría Financiera y Agencia Fiscal de Puerto Rico
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF)

The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs.

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.

Click here for more information about the CSLFRF.

Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CLFRF):

The Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund will provide $19.53 billion to support non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs), which are local governments typically serving a population under 50,000. Treasury expects to make payments to states and territories, which will distribute amounts to eligible NEUs in their jurisdiction in accordance with the guidelines established by Treasury.

Additional Information on Non-entitlement Units (NEUs)

Recovery Plan

The Recovery Plan provides a retrospective and prospective information on the projects the Government of Puerto Rico is undertaking or planning to undertake and how it is planning to ensure program outcomes are achieved in an effective, efficient, and equitable manner.

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Guidelines

The U.S Treasury Department published the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments. These guidelines provide guidance to recipients-including Puerto Rico its municipalities-of the funding avaliable under the American Rescue Plan Act.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Caño Martín Peña Program, which makes up to $130 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to make necessary investments to improve access to a reliable potable water system, sanitary sewer system, and stormwater system in the Buena Vista Santurce community.

Investment: $130,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi announced the Low-Income Housing Repairs Program. This program makes up to $25.9 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to provide low-income families with funding for housing rehabilitation projects, including, but not limited to, relocation and assistance to remove temporary blue roof awnings.

Investment: $25,918,287.60

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agencies must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2022, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) was approved CSFRF funds for the purpose of funding the Molecular Sciences and Research Center’s Program (Program). The Molecular Sciences and Research Center (MSRC) is an advanced research facility of the University of Puerto Rico that conducts biomedical research with the objective to provide innovative solutions and new technologies that would bring economic and social prosperity to Puerto Rico. To fullfill the objective of the Program, it was divided into three strategic priorities, which include:   i) Viviarium Development, ii)) Research Recruiting and Attraction Program, and iii) The Gene and Cell Therapy Operation.

Investment: $3,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi established the University of Puerto Rico Program (Program). This Program makes up to $94 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to provide the University of Puerto Rico system with sufficient funds to cover expenses associated with returning students to campuses across its university system. The Program will be administered by the Coronavirus Relief Fund Disbursement Oversight Committee (Committee) in conjunction with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), and AAFAF.

Investment: $94,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

The Government of Puerto Rico allocated $11.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP Act), to create the Grants Program for Research & Development of Covid-19 Treatments. The Program will be administered by the Coronavirus Relief Fund Disbursement Oversight Committee (Committee) in conjunction with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC), and the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF).

Investment: $6,871,187

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Adoption and Family Service Centers Program (Program) which makes up to $9 million in CSFRF funds available to support the safety and well-being of children during their transition to an adoptive family by strengthening specialized adoption rooms and services.

Adoption allows couples and single adults to share their life with a child and enjoy the unique experience of parenthood. Adoption builds rewarding, meaningful relationships between adoptive families and birth parents. Adoption provides loving, stable homes to children who need them.

Investment: $9,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Elderly Assistance Centers Program (Program). This program makes $21 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and create a better experience for the elderly. Providing our elderly with good care is fundamental for our sense of community. When elder people are looked after carefully, it helps in maintaining a good balance in society.

Investment: $21,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced a Legal Assistance to the Citizens Program (Program) which makes up to $15 million in CSFRF funds available to provide resources to facilitate access to justice, improve witness protection services, and provide improvements to the victim shelters. Of this allocation, $6 million is available to the Sociedad para Asistencia Legal de Puerto Rico (SAL by its Spanish acronym), $3 million is available for the update of the Property Registry, and $6 million is available for repairs to the witness protection shelter.

This initiative aims to ensure access to legal solutions not to only improve outcomes for those who would seek assistance, but as a measure to save public dollars in the long term, by preventing problems like homelessness or health issues, that can be extremely costly and harmful to individuals and the public.

Investment: $18,625,560.72

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

The Vaccination Incentive Program makes $10 million in immediate CSFRF funds available for incentives to reward previously vaccinated individuals and promote continuing vaccination efforts. COVID-19 vaccinations are clinically proven to be safe and effective in combatting the effects of COVID-19, and only through its vaccination efforts will Puerto Rico be able to return to normalcy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of August 6, 2021, Puerto Rico had administered over 3.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines representing 60.2% of its population as fully vaccinated. The Department of Health’s (DOH) vaccination initiatives began between July 8-10, 2021, in hundreds of vaccination sites around the island after a coordinated digital and billboard advertising campaign. Daily vaccination rates in Puerto Rico had fallen to between 2,000-3,000 people per day, and down from 10,000 to 4 per day for March and April. According to DOH, during their first round of vaccination initiatives, over 29,000 vaccine doses were administered.

Investment: $5,936,634.70

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On June 7, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Genomic Surveillance Program (Program). This Program makes $27.3 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to ensure the detection and control of the spread of new strains and variants of COVID-19.

Protecting and preventing our people from future COVID-19 outbreaks are a fundamental part of the pandemic recovery. COVID-19 genetic variations can lead to the emergence of new variants that may have different characteristics. Thus, detecting variants of concern and developing a public health response to them requires a robust genomic surveillance program. Without this genomic information, new variants may spread rampantly and undetected through the island.

Ultimately, to be useful, a successful genomic surveillance program must be established to inform real- e decision-making by public health officials and vaccine manufacturers.

Investment: $27,250,000.00

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

This program makes $15 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to ensure accessibility to mental health services through coordinated efforts of the Mental Health and Anti- Addition Services Administration (“ASSMCA” for its Spanish acronym).

The pandemic brought mental and behavioral health into greater focus. The rapid and unexpected onset of Covid-19 led to an increase in a variety of mental health issues among all ages. Mental health heavily influences our quality of life. So, just like physical health, it must be taken care of and maintained.

Investment: $15,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

Acknowledging the importance of our local governments, responding firsthand to COVID-19 in their communities, the Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi announced on August 3, 2021, the allocation of $150,000,000 for the Municipal Strengthening Fund. This program will be available from November 2021 until December 31, 2024, with a yearly allocation of $50,000,000.

Investment: $152,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

For more information about allocations per municipality refer to the any of the links below:

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Promote Puerto Rico Program, which makes up to $120 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to promote Puerto Rico as a tourist destination.  To ensure the successful implementation of the Program strategies, it has been divided into five distinct projects.

The Program breakdown is as follows:

  • Promotion of Puerto Rico as a Tourism Destination (Click HERE)
  • Revitalize Tourist Attractions, Natural Resources, & Balnearios (Click HERE)
  • Promote Domestic Tourism (Click HERE)
  • Fostering Puerto Rico as an Entertainment & Convention Destination (Click HERE)
  • Market Puerto Rico as an Investment Destination (Click HERE)

Investment: $131,787,194.98

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On October 4, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Energy Incentive program to assist small to medium businesses in the development of energy conservation initiatives and green energy investments. The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) will receive applications from small to medium businesses (“PYME”) who qualify to obtain the incentive. This incentive will amount up to $ 25,000, which will also aim to help stabilize the operation of their businesses.

Investment: $20,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On June 7, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced a Premium Pay initiative and expanded on this on August 3, 2021, where he established the Premium Pay to Essential Public and Private Sector Workers (Program). This program makes up to $200 million in immediate CSFRF funds available to recognize and reward essential workers who responded to the effects of COVID-19. Of this allocation, $20 million is available to the Department of Health for disbursement to its hospital employees, and an additional $20 million is available to the Department of Corrections for eligible frontline employees.

Phase I of the Program refers to providing Premium Pay to the Department of Health for disbursement to its hospital employees.

Phase I was established by the Committee on June 8, 2021, through Resolution 2021-38, and Phase I made $20 million available to Department of Health.

Phase II of the Program refers to providing Premium Pay to the Department of Corrections for disbursements to eligible frontline employees.

Phase III of the Program refers to providing Premium Pay to other public sector agencies for disbursements to eligible frontline employees.

Phase IV of the Program refers to providing Premium Pay to private sector employees for disbursements to eligible frontline employees.

Investment: $458,145,597.80

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the beneficiary entities must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Essential hospital and CDT workers have been, and continue to be, pivotal to responding to the effects of COVID-19. To recognize these employees for their continued work despite COVID-19, the government will provide them with premium pay. This aid prioritizes retrospective premium pay where possible, recognizing that many essential workers have not yet received additional compensation for work conducted over the course of many months. This aid will also prioritize compensation of those lower income eligible workers that perform essential work. Any past hazard pay does not affect eligibility but does affect prioritization.

Investment: $85,916,300.00

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency /entities must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

On August 9, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Cultural Rescue program which makes up to $50 million in CSFRF funds available to support the financial liquidity of cultural institutions, repair historically significant buildings, and conservation and digitalization of historic documents. This program will be divided into two (2) phases:

Phase 1 – Phase 1 makes funds available to support the financial liquidity of eligible institutions.

Phase 2 – 4 Phase 2 makes funds available to restore and preserve historically significant buildings, and digitalization of historic documents.

Investment: $50,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

The Assistance to Nonprofit Organizations Program in Puerto Rico (NGOs) under the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, is intended to provide assistance to NGOs for necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency. Allocation to each organization will be based on the approval of the budget submitted with each proposal. In order to maximize recourses, this Program was divided into three (3) phases.

Phase I and II – Guidelines

Phase III – Guidelines

Investment: $30,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures related to the COVID-19 emergency that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Organizations that receive these funds will not be able to use them to pay executive bonuses, debt refinancing or other expenses that are determined to be ineligible. Likewise, the recipients must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines (third phase) (in Spanish)
  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines
  • Click HERE to Links to Presentation & Video: Assistance to Nonprofit Organizations Program in Puerto Rico (NGOs) (in Spanish)

On June 30, 2022, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Motion Picture and Video Industry in Puerto Rico Program (Program) with an allocation of $74 million dollars to be divided into two (2) fiscal years ($37 million each year). Funds will be available to the Puerto Rico Film Commission (PRFC) a division administered by Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC). This Program will help the Government of Puerto Rico promote the island as a film destination, promote capital investment and create jobs and wealth in Puerto Rico.

Investment: $74,000,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On August 3, 2021, Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi established the Assistance to the Legislative and Judicial Branches Program (Program). This program makes up to $63.7 million in CSFRF funds available to provide funds for the Legislative and Judicial branches to address identified needs. The funds will be distributed at $30 million for the Legislative Branch and $33.7 million for the Judicial Branch.

These guidelines apply to the Judicial Branch.

Judicial Branch: $33.7

Legislative Branch: $30 million

Total Investment: $63.7million

Please note that these guidelines specifically apply to the Judicial Branch

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

Subrecipients must spend the money on or before December 31, 2024.

On June 7, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced the Return-to-Work Incentive Program (Program), which makes up to $3,9533,000 in immediate CSFRF funds available to eligible individuals who return to the workforce before September 4, 2021.

Total Investment: $3,953,000

Restrictions: Disbursement of Program funds will be subject to the strictest standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations and best practices. Therefore, each request for disbursement will be duly documented and subject to control and audit.

These funds will only be available to cover necessary expenditures as stated in Program Guidelines and that have not been covered or reimbursed, or that will not be covered in the future, by other state, federal or private programs that the entities may have. Likewise, the lead agency must sign an agreement as part of the program in which they agree to return the money if it is determined in the future that they did not comply with any of the eligibility requirements.

  • Click HERE to download the Program Guidelines