Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Trujillo Highlights Water Conservation, Drought Mitigation Investments in Puerto Rico

Date: Monday, June 27, 2022
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo visited Puerto Rico last week to see firsthand the hydrologic science and monitoring work being done on the island to help land managers make informed decisions.

Assistant Secretary Trujillo visited the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Guaynabo location to discuss how USGS is evaluating methods using artificial intelligence and machine learning in hydrologic drought prediction. She met with the USGS Water Resources Research Act Program Director and students from the University of Puerto Rico to see how the federal-state partnership provides training for scientists and engineers to conduct research that aids in the resolution of water problems.

She also toured the San Juan National Historic Site to learn how investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help bolster climate resiliency and water management on the island. 

Assistant Secretary Trujillo also visited the Caño Martín Peña Urban Waters office to discuss the Urban Waters Federal Partnership contributions to the health and welfare of the eight communities that surround the Channel in San Juan by improving water quality, restoring the watershed’s ecosystem, and addressing public safety issues. She then traveled to the El Yunque National Forest to meet with local stakeholders and tour the Iguaca Aviary.

In addition, Assistant Secretary Trujillo met with staff and students from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Department of Geology in Guayanilla, along with staff from the USGS, to discuss landslide hazards. After the 2020 earthquake, USGS and Puerto Rico Seismic Network installed six sets of seismometers that helped seismologists better monitor earthquakes, document the strength of ground shaking, estimate potential earthquake damage and forecast aftershocks. 

###