GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Today, FEMA announced that Mr. José G. Baquero Tirado, Esq. will serve as Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, or FDRC, for disaster recovery operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. Baquero will permanently lead disaster recovery coordination and collaboration between the federal interagency and the Government of Puerto Rico, the private sector and voluntary, faith-based and community organizations.
“Our partnership over the last year with mayors, COR3 and the Government of Puerto Rico has paved the way for the island’s long-term recovery. Mr. Baquero’s permanent appointment is another indicator that our mission on the island is on track and that the operation is ready for the road ahead,” said the current Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo.
For the past 15 years, Mr. Baquero led the Transportation Security Administration office for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Throughout his career he has also worked as a private attorney, and at the local and federal government level. Mr. Baquero is born and raised in Puerto Rico and is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
For his part, Mr. Baquero added that “it is a privilege to serve my Island in this capacity. I look forward to being part of this historic recovery mission and to carry on with the outstanding work done by Mr. Amparo and the team as our efforts to help rebuild for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico continue.”
Both Mr. Amparo and Mr. Baquero will work together in the coming weeks to ensure an effective transition of duties.
Mr. Amparo returns to support FEMA’s mission in Washington, D.C. His role on the island was pivotal in leading the disaster recovery efforts for Hurricane María as well as the response missions for the earthquakes, COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storms Isaías and Laura.
To date, over $7.2 billion has been obligated under FEMA’s Public Assistance program for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico.
For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and on Twitter @COR3pr.
San Juan, PR (August 31, 2020) – FEMA announced that Mr. José G. Baquero Tirado, Esq. will serve as Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, or FDRC, for disaster recovery operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. Baquero will permanently lead disaster recovery coordination and collaboration between the federal interagency and the Government of Puerto Rico, the private sector and voluntary, faith-based and community organizations.