FHWA Giving $705.7 Million in Emergency Funds to 34 States
Some of the funding was designated to help states recover from some of the largest incidents in recent years, including the eruption of Kilauea in Hawaii last year, the Oroville Dam emergency in northern California in 2017, and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in 2017.
From Alaska to Florida, California to Vermont, a total of 34 states (as well as American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) are getting Emergency Relief funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. FHWA announced more than $705.7 million in funding will help the recipients repair roads and bridges damaged by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, dam failures, floods, and other unexpected events.
The funding was designated to help states recover from some of the largest incidents in recent years, including the eruption of Kilauea in Hawaii last year, the Oroville Dam emergency in northern California in 2017, and Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in 2017.
"The department is pleased to reimburse states and territories that have made critical repairs to their transportation infrastructure following natural disasters such as wildfires, storms, and floods," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.
FHWA's ER program reimburses states, territories, and federal land management agencies for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergency situations. The money helps pay for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges, arranging detours, and replacing guardrails or other damaged safety devices. More than a fifth of the total amount provided today – about $153 million – will be used to pay for repairs to damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. More than $12.5 million is being provided to make repairs following 2018 wildfires in California.
"These funds will help keep our country's roads and bridges safe and well-maintained in the aftermath of the hurricanes and other severe storms seen in recent years," said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson.