The road to recovery could be a long journey for the island of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria's widespread devastation.
Emergency supplies are on the U.S. territory, but distributing the food and first aid has been a challenge. Now, dozens of helpers are on their way.
An emergency deployment of nearly 70 officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are heading to the island and they will provide all types of aid to help with relief efforts. Everything from getting flight operations back up and running to help with shipping at the ports. They will depart from JFK Airport Friday.
Shipping at Puerto Rico’s ports has become a growing issue for the last few days. The Trump administration temporarily waived the Jones Act -- one that requires only American ships to carry goods between U.S. ports.
Before that, the emergency supplies that have been shipped to San Juan weren’t filtering out to the rest of the island. Port Authority workers will help unload and prepare aid shipments at the port of San Juan.
“The supply chain from the domestic carrier hasn’t been the problem," Jose Ayala of Crowley Maritime, said. “The problem is the distribution on the island.”
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Meanwhile, a protest was held at the federal building in lower Manhattan Thursday. Nearly 300 people were calling on the Trump administration to provide more emergency assistance.
President Trump will head down to Puerto Rico next week.
In addition to the Port Authority emergency deployment leaving New York on Friday, 100 members of New York State Police and National Guard will also head to the island.
[NATL] In Photos: Total Devastation in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
Gov. Cuomo announced earlier this week that New York state was sending additional personnel and supplies to help Puerto Rico's recovery effort.
