The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently awarded $513.2 million in Emergency Relief (ER) Program grants to 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The grants are for the repair of bridges and roads damaged by storms, floods, wildfires, and other events.
“These funds with help communities across our nation repair roads and bridges damaged by severe weather events, which are becoming increasingly common because of climate change,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “From recent hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast to wildfires in California and floods and mudslides in numerous states, we must address the devastating impacts of climate change and work to build more sustainable transportation infrastructure to better withstand its impacts for years to come.”
The bulk of the funding reimburses states, territories, federal land management agencies, and tribal governments for repairs made in the aftermath of wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, and other weather-related events.
Other funding covers repairing or replacing structures where damage was caused by catastrophic failure from external causes.
Grants include continued repairs from the 2015 and 2016 California Winter Storms, 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and 2020 Michigan Spring Flooding.
This is the second allocation for fiscal year 2022, with more than $1.9 billion awarded.