The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently released more than $1 billion in Emergency Relief funds to 28 states, four territories, and Federal Land Management Agencies to assist with the repair of bridges and roads damaged by natural disasters.
The funds reimburse governments and agencies for eligible expenses associated with the reconstruction or replacement of damaged bridges, highways, guardrails, and safety devices as well as the arrangement of detours.
The states and territories will receive approximately $899.8 million while the agencies will receive $173.9 million.
“We stand with all those who have been impacted by a natural disaster from the time of the emergency and until all repairs are completed,” Brandye Hendrickson, acting FHWA administrator, said. “The funding announced today will serve the traveling public by reimbursing local communities that have made repairs to damaged critical surface transportation infrastructure.”
More than a quarter of the funds, approximately $263.7 million, will reimburse repair damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Florida will receive $97 million to repair damage from Hurricane Irma, Texas will receive $75 million for damage from Hurricane Harvey, and Puerto Rico will receive $70 million to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The largest reimburse was $145.6 million to California for recovery from winter storms.