This grant in the amount of $615673 will support the operations of the puerto rico emergency management bureaus (premb) state safety oversight (SSO) program

Federal Grant Award Summary

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $615,673 through the Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation System State Safety Oversight Formula Grant Program (CFDA 20.528) to the Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Bureau (Prema), Puerto Rico's designated State Safety Oversight Agency. Awarded on August 19, 2025, this grant supports operations of the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau's State Safety Oversight Program with an ultimate completion date of March 30, 2035. The award obligates total federal funds of $769,592 and funds critical safety oversight activities for the Tren Urbano rail system in compliance with 49 CFR Part 674 and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan requirements.

The grant funds support six primary activity categories spanning fiscal years 2026-2029: (1) administrative expenses including salaries, fringe benefits, and operational costs; (2) staff training, certifications, and participation in safety oversight workshops; (3) consultant services for safety data analysis, audits, and regulatory reviews; (4) miscellaneous equipment including personal protective equipment and communication devices; (5) information systems and software for safety data collection and risk-based inspection implementation; and (6) community engagement and outreach activities to promote transparency around safety practices, along with support vehicle preventive maintenance. These coordinated activities enhance rail transit safety in Puerto Rico through continuous compliance oversight, professional development, technical support, and operational infrastructure essential to the State Safety Oversight Program's mission.

Activities

Activities to be performed:grant funds will be used to perform the following safety-related activities:74.10.01: administrative expenses (period of 10/1/2027 to 9/30/2028): salaries fringe benefits and operational costs required for program execution including communication services and memberships in transit safety associations.74.10.02 training (period of 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2028): staff travel certifications RE-certifications and participation in SSO workshops in compliance with 49 CFR part 672 (ptsctp) as well as the implementation of prembs training and technical program.74.10.03 consultant services (period of 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2029): technical and professional support for safety data analysis audits regulatory reviews and other oversight functions.74.10.05 miscellaneous equipment (period of 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2028): acquisition of PPE uniforms office supplies communication devices and safety-related field equipment.74.10.06 information systems (period of 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2028): procurement of software and digital tools to support safety data collection documentation storage and risk-based inspection (RBI) implementation.74.10.10 other: engagement and outreach (period of 10/1/2027 to 9/30/2028): community-facing activities to raise awareness and promote transparency around safety practices including the development of outreach materials.74.10.10 other: support vehicle preventive maintenance (period of 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2028): fuel oil filters tire/battery replacement and related operational costs for support vehicles used in site visits and safety activities.

Expected outcomes

Strengthened safety oversight capacity through qualified personnel and technical support.- sustained staff development and training aligned with federal mandates.- increased efficiency and readiness of SSO operations via modern equipment and information systems.- reinforced safety culture and compliance with federal safety regulations and oversight protocols.

Intended beneficiaries

Tren urbano passengers and employees will directly benefit from enhanced oversight and reduced safety risks. The broader community in SAN juan bayamn and guaynabo will gain from a safer more reliable public transportation system.

Subrecipient activities

Premb SSO does not have subrecipient. Premb SSO is financially and legally independent from puerto rico highway and transportation authority.