Puerto Rico will demolish thousands of Hurricane Maria-damaged structures

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Puerto Rico's government plans to demolish 16,000 structures that were heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria nearly two years ago.

Officials said Tuesday that they expect to obtain $400 million in federal funds for the project, pending approval by federal officials.

The local government said it already has received $5.7 million to help pay for environmental studies, debris removal and the cost of hiring a demolition company.

Maria struck the U.S. territory as a Category 4 storm in September 2017 and caused an estimated more than $100 billion in damage.