The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently made $3 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds available to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs.
Heavy rainfall on Aug. 18 and 19 caused significant flooding and damage in in western Connecticut. Damage included bridge scour, road collapses, slope washouts, and retaining wall failures. Damage occurred at 18 sites on state routes and is estimated to exceed $50 million.
The department is continuing to assess damage and will install temporary structures until bridges can be permanently replaced. Repairs can now be performed quickly.
“The Federal Highway Administration is working closely with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to repair the damage caused by extensive flooding and provide the state with the resources it needs,” Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said. “The Emergency Relief funding we are providing will help expedite repairs on essential roads to allow residents, workers and businesses to get back to their normal routines.”
The Emergency Relief program provides funding for bridges and highways damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events to states, territories, tribes, and federal land management agencies.
The program will provide Connecticut with additional funds needed to repair the damage.
Quick release Emergency Relief funds are used to restore essential transportation links.