Department of Transportation (DOT) officials said the agency has earmarked $574 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to aid 39 states and Puerto Rico with natural disaster damaged infrastructure repairs.
“This $574 million in federal funding will help states repair and rebuild roads and bridges damaged from natural disasters,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The Federal Highway Administration administered ER program reimburses states, territories, federal land management agencies, and tribal governments for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergencies.
The funds assist with the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges, officials said, in addition to establishing detours and replacement of guardrails or other damaged safety devices.
“These funds will help reimburse states for needed repairs to vital transportation infrastructure that residents rely upon for daily travel,” Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason said.
Projects slated to receive assistance via the ER program include more than $64 million to California, including $34 million for November 2018 wildfires; more than $46 million to Nebraska for winter storms and flooding in 2019; more than $27 million to Alabama for storms and flooding this year; more than $25 million to Michigan for 2020 flooding in the central part of the state; and more than $22 million to Florida for Hurricane Michael two years ago.
The Trump administration has provided nearly $4.9 billion in ER program funds since January 2017 to repair roads and bridges.