Earlier this month, the Federal Highway Administration announced that it had set aside $871.2 million in Emergency Relief funding to help make repairs on infrastructure in dozens of states, as well help to tribal governments. The infrastructure to be addressed was damaged by storms, floods and other unexpected weather events.

“This Administration is providing federal funding to help repair roads and bridges damaged during natural disasters including hurricanes, wildfires, floods and earthquakes,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

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Earlier this month, the Federal Highway Administration announced that it had issued $871 million in Emergency Relief funding, to help make repairs on infrastructure in dozens of states, as well as help tribal governments. The infrastructure to be addressed was damaged by storms, floods and other unexpected weather events.

Emergency Relief Funding

According to the FHWA, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, awards totaled:

• More than $220 million going to Puerto Rico for the continuation of repairs following recent hurricanes;
• More than $157 million going to California, with more than $115 million for what occurred during winter storms in 2017;
• Nearly $110 million for Tennessee, the majority of which is meant to cover damage caused by severe storms in 2019;
• More than $18 million for flooding in Mississippi in 2018 and 2019;
• More than $12 million for volcanic eruption and earthquakes in Hawaii;
• Nebraska receiving $68 million for the March 2019 storms; and
• More than $6.5 million going to tribal governments for a damage in California, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

This funding pool does not include coverage for the most recent Hurricane Dorian, which moved up the East Coast. This round also totals more than the last, clocking in at $871.2 million, in comparison to the $705 million set aside in February to help 34 states, along with American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The ER funding program is known for reimbursing states, territories and tribal governments, among other, similar bodies, for eligible expenses that stem from emergency events.

“These funds will help restore the nation’s roads and bridges following severe weather events that have disrupted travel throughout the country,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason.

The February round of funding included $12.5 million to repair damage to roads and bridges from 2018 California wildfires, among other repairs.