The storm caused flooding and wind damage to the state and floodwaters from neighboring North Carolina are expected to cause additional river flooding in the coming days.
FHWA reports transportation infrastructure damage has hit 13 counties in South Carolina.
“Hurricane Matthew caused significant damage to South Carolina’s roadways and bridges, creating serious challenges for the local residents and taking a toll on the economy,” says Transportation Sec. Anthony Foxx. “We’re doing everything we can to support the state and local response to this disaster, and are working to restore emergency access and begin the most critical repairs.”
FHWA’s emergency relief program provides “quick release” funds for highways and bridges damaged by catastrophic events or natural disasters to help start repair work and to help agencies make continuing damage assessments.
The program is authorized for $100 million annually through contact authority from the Highway Trust Fund’s Highway Account, but Congress can appropriate more when needed. For example, $410 million was released last December for road and bridge repair projects in 33 states.
The FAST Act continued the $100 million annual funding authorization for fiscal years 2016-2020.
