DOT PROVIDES $12 MILLION TO GUAM FOR TYPHOON-DAMAGED ROADS

Federal Highway Administration
January 23, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 23, 1998
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 4-98

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced that Guam will receive $12 million in emergency relief funds for repairs to roads damaged by Typhoon Paka on Dec. 16-17, 1997.

"President Clinton recognizes the damage that Guam has suffered because of the typhoon," Secretary Slater said. "We are particularly concerned about the damage caused to the transportation systems because transportation is vital to the daily lives of the people affected and also to Guam’s economy."

The $12 million, which comes from the department’s Federal Highway Administration, was provided in response to Guam’s request for help to repair federal-aid roads. The funding will permit emergency relief funds to be used for work that is necessary to repair damage to roads in Guam.

FHWA money is awarded after a formal emergency proclamation has been issued and the state has filed a preliminary damage assessment for its highways and bridges on the federal-aid system. The funds reimburse states and territories for emergency work that is already completed and provides funding for other necessary repairs to correct major or unusual damage to federal-aid highways. Eligible repair work includes reconstructing damaged bridges and pavement surfaces, establishing detours, removing slides and debris, and replacing signs, lighting and guardrails.