Feds OK $2 Million for Missouri Bridge, Road Repairs as MoDOT Continues Looking for Damage
The federal government on May 10 cleared $2 million in "quick release" funds to repair Missouri's roads and bridges, with state transportation officials saying the process of assessing last week's flood damage is only just beginning.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which set aside another $1 million for damage to Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways, is not tied to specific projects. And the state can apply for more money as it identifies potential repairs — a process that could take "months," said Bob Brendel, a special assignments coordinator at the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Crews have already started repairing Interstate 44 over the Gasconade River, and Brendel said the damage is obvious on Highway 50 at the Gasconade River, Highway 100 near Hermann, Highway 63 between Rolla and Jefferson City and at least two bridges washed away in rural Ozark County.
But crews might not find other damage, such as voids washed out from under roads or embankments, until things dry out.
"We still have roads that are underwater," Brendel said.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) said the funding was a critical first step for the federal government to help Missouri rebuild, and transportation officials said more money would come.
“The funding will help the state make immediate repairs to open roads and represents the beginning of our commitment to continue to help the state while completing damage assessments," Acting Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Walter “Butch” Waidelich said in a statement.
