USDOT announces $1B in emergency relief for road and bridge repairs

Updated Apr 21, 2018
Road crews repair the southbound lanes of the Sam Houston Tollway, a section covered by an estimated 70 million gallons of water from the rain-swollen Buffalo Bayou. At left, crews had to first brace the retaining wall, which backed up to a large sinkhole, to make the work area safe. Source: TxDOTRoad crews repair the southbound lanes of the Sam Houston Tollway, a section covered by an estimated 70 million gallons of water from the rain-swollen Buffalo Bayou. At left, crews had to first brace the retaining wall, which backed up to a large sinkhole, to make the work area safe. Source: TxDOT

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced more than $1 billion in Emergency Relief funds to help repair roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods and other unexpected events.

The funding is for 32 states, several U.S. territories and Federal Land Management Agencies.

The funds help to pay for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges along with the arrangement of detours and replacement of guardrails or other damaged safety devices, the U.S. Department of Transportation says.

“The Administration is helping states and territories repair and rebuild their infrastructure in the wake of last year’s hurricanes and other disasters across the country,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

At about $263.7 million, more than a fourth of the total amount provided today will be used to repair damages caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

This includes awards of $75,000,000 to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey; $97,000,000 to Florida as they repair damage from Hurricane Irma; and $70,000,000 to assist in Puerto Rico’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, an April 13 press release says.

For details of the Fiscal year 2018 Emergency Relief Program, including state awards, click here.