The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently made available to the U.S. Forest Service in Puerto Rico $2 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief funds.
Funding is for the cost of repairs to roadways in the El Yunque National Forest. On Aug. 15, Tropical Storm Ernesto released more than 10 inches of rain on Puerto Rico. Roads were made impassable by the rain, flooding, and landslides. In addition, the storm’s 60-mile-per-hour winds caused trees to fall on public roads, and blew roofs off houses. Damage is estimated at approximately $6.5 million.
Hundreds of thousands were left without power, and people were stuck in their vehicles or homes by the floodwaters.
“The Federal Highway Administration is working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to repair the damage caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto,” Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White said. “Emergency relief funding helps communities swiftly receive federal funds to more quickly repair impacted areas and restore access.”
The funds will allow the U.S. Forest Service and the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division to act more quickly to repair damaged roadways, and will help avoid delays and alleviate impacts to existing budgets.
Affected roadways are preventing emergency vehicles, contractors working on repairs from previous disasters, utility crews, and homeowners from accessing the area.