WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S Department of Transportation will provide more than $319 million to states across the nation to cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural disasters, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.
"Restoring vital transportation links requires immediate attention so people can get back to their daily routines and activities," said Secretary LaHood. "We stand ready to provide the financial backing so states can make repairs quickly and without hesitation."
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will provide a total of $319,710,818 from its emergency relief program to 28 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa to reimburse them for damages caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes and other natural events.
"Restoring roads and bridges is critical after a natural disaster or catastrophic event," said FHWA Administrator Mendez. "We want states to know that we will reimburse them for work that is necessary to get roads and bridges back in service again after an emergency."
Among states receiving funding, Tennessee will receive $39 million for storms and flooding, North Dakota will receive $33.5 million for flooding in the Devil's Lake region and Rhode Island will receive $26 million for flooding.
The money will reimburse states for fixing or replacing highways, bridges and other roadway structures such as traffic signs, guardrails and lighting. Costs associated with detours, debris removal and other immediate measures necessary to restore traffic flow in impacted areas are also eligible.
The FHWA's emergency relief program reimburses states for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways that were damaged in disasters and catastrophic failures.
Source: U.S. DOT
