From Alabama to Alaska, DOT delivers emergency relief to states

When a natural disaster strikes, the cost of repairing roads and bridges can be a tremendous burden to states.  But restoring vital transportation links is important so commerce can resume and residents can get back to work and school.

That's why the Department of Transportation helps support states whose roads and bridges have suffered damage from storms, flooding, rock slides, and other events.

And today, we're providing more than $319 million to states across the country to cover the costs of getting roadways back in shape after a variety of disasters.  From Puerto Rico west to American Samoa and 28 states in between, DOT is helping pay for road resurfacing, bridge replacement, guardrails, traffic signs, lighting, and debris removal.

Highway flooding in North Dakota

Knowing they can be repaid by the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief program motivates states to make emergency repairs more quickly without the hesitation of worrying about funding.

As Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said, "We want states to know we will reimburse them for work that is necessary to get roads and bridges back in service again after an emergency."

One of the states receiving funds today is Alabama ($8.7 million).  In December 2009, heavy rains in the lower part of the state overwhelmed drainage structures and caused heavy flooding.  Twelve different counties suffered loss of pavement and bridge damage.

Across the country in Alaska ($1.2 million), a Pacific Ocean weather front in October 2009 brought storms and record rainfall to Kodiak Island.  That led to severe rock and mud slides, flooding, and extensive road washout in much of the island's northeastern region, including the City of Kodiak.

States receiving the largest relief amounts are Tennessee ($43.9 million) and North Dakota ($50.4 million). Both of those states incurred tremendous damage from flooding in 2010.

When disaster strikes, the ability to reconstruct roadways is critical.  I commend these states for helping their residents return to normal activities after such powerful natural phenomena.  And I'm glad DOT can do its part.

Comments

[winslow stevens]

Thank god for the department of transportation and everything they have done to help the roads. There are thousands of accidents and emergencies every year. And because they are helpging to fix all the roads many people are safer because of them.

[Evan]

I worked with the DOT in my last job, they provide valuable services to everyone in the community. The roads are so much safer because of their efforts. Thanks DOT!