WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico has suffered such extensive devastation from Hurricane Maria that its recovery will fail unless the island gets more U.S. help.
That’s the word from Natalie Jaresko, executive director of a federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico’s finances.
Jaresko tells Congress that the U.S. territory needs emergency and restoration funds “on an unprecedented scale” to restore housing, water and electric power.
Puerto Rican authorities have estimated the island suffered $45 billion to $95 billion in damage in the September storm. So far, Congress has approved nearly $5 billion in aid.
The head of Puerto Rico’s power authority isn’t testifying as scheduled before a House committee — citing “urgent efforts” on power restoration.
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