The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently announced the immediate availability of $5 million in quick-release Emergency Relief (ER) funds to help Louisiana begin repairs to highways and bridges damaged by Hurricane Laura and Tropical Storm Marco.
According to FHWA, Louisiana experienced high winds and heavy rain from August 23-29, 2020. Storm surge, high winds, and flood damage occurred throughout the western half of the state.
FHWA says this quick-release funding will make it easier for emergency repair work, such as stabilizing and repairing roadway embankments and bridges, rebuilding damaged roadways, and repairing or replacing damaged structures, traffic signals, and signs, to begin immediately.
“FHWA is working with Louisiana officials to get roads affected by Hurricane Laura repaired and operating again as quickly as possible,” FHWA Administrator Nicole Nason said in a statement. “These funds can help pay for the work necessary to support the economic well-being in several parishes.”
FHWA’s ER program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. These “quick release” ER funds are an initial installment of funds used to restore essential traffic and to limit further highway damage, which can help long-term repair work begin more quickly.
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SOURCE: Federal Highway Administration
