Abstract

The archipelago of Puerto Rico is prone to multiple hazards due to its very particular location in the Caribbean and its frequent exposure to extreme natural events. Since 2017, the Island has faced hurricanes, tropical storms, a sequence of earthquakes, drought, and various flood events caused by extreme cyclonic rainfall that have caused damage to coastal infrastructure. To support Puerto Rico's recovery after Hurricane María, numerous projects were developed and implemented. Many of these projects were funded through FEMA and acted as key catalysts for response, recovery, and public policy. FEMA's Mitigation Assessment Team, also known as MAT, developed recommendations to rebuild a more resistant infrastructure. Among the key recommendations is the adoption of the Puerto Rico Building Code of 2018. To facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the community in general (students, teachers, professionals, first responders and the workforce), the Center for Coastal Resilience (CRC) established two educational programs: the first is a continuing education program open to the general public; and the second is a formal program for university students that includes courses leading to degrees, projects, research, and internships. Adoption of the latest building codes and FEMA recommendations provide the tools for a resilient coastal infrastructure. The continuing education program has impacted 2,311 community members to date, increasing their knowledge and understanding of the different stages of prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and risk mitigation of coastal infrastructure.