Following devastating floods in Iowa, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has immediately released $9 million in emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to assist in road repair.
The funds had been requested by the Iowa Department of Transportation. They can be used to pay for repair efforts dedicated to restoring essential traffic and prevention of additional damage, though the funds are admittedly a drop in the bucket compared to what Iowa may need. The FHWA reports that initial estimates put damages somewhere over $90 million.
“These emergency relief funds will help Iowa expedite the repair process and restore access to roads as quickly as possible following the devastating floods in the state,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said.
In all, 68 counties in Iowa were hit by the March flooding, largely around areas of the Missouri River where levees breached. Interstates I-29, I-680, and US-34 were all among major routes hit in the event.