Federal Highway Administration Releases $500,000 in Emergency Relief Funds for Rock Slide Damage in Central Idaho

Federal Highway Administration
29 February 2016

FHWA 11-16
Monday, February 29, 2016
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel.: (202) 366-0660

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $500,000 in Emergency Relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to help repair damage caused by a rock slide on SH 14 in Idaho County.

“Emergency Relief funding will help the state repair and reopen SH 14, which is the only access for several communities in the area,” said Secretary Foxx. “DOT will help get repairs underway as quickly as possible.”

On February 18, a major rock slide substantially damaged a 500-foot stretch of SH 14 between Grangeville and Elk City, Idaho. SH 14 provides the only access for residents of Elk City, Red River, Dixie, and Orogrande each winter, due to heavy snow and other safety hazards. A temporary detour will be in place shortly.

“Emergency Relief funding will help Idaho address the needed repairs and restore travel for these communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “We know residents want to regain their mobility as soon as possible.”

The state will receive $500,000 in federal “quick release” funds so repair work can begin as damage assessments continue.

The FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.