States, Territories to Receive $1 Billion in Storm Relief, USDOT Announces
Nearly three dozen states and territories will receive $1 billion to repair infrastructure recently damaged by severe weather and natural disasters, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced April 13.
Recipients include Florida at $97 million to repair damage from last year’s Hurricane Irma. Texas will receive $75 million for reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Harvey. Puerto Rico will receive $70 million for repairs after hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive $15 million, also to repair infrastructure after those hurricanes. For its bridge collapse on Interstate 85 last year, Georgia will receive $12.4 million.
The Federal Highway Administration’s emergency relief fund reimburses transportation entities for certain expenses as a way to assist with reconstruction costs.
“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,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement on the department’s website at https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/fhwa0518.
“We stand with all those who have been impacted by a natural disaster from the time of the emergency and until all repairs are completed,” acting Federal Highway Administrator Brandye Hendrickson added.
