DOT PROVIDES $4.3 MILLION TO NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS FOR FLOOD-DAMAGED ROADS

Federal Highway Administration
January 30, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 30, 1998
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 6-98

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will receive $4.3 million in emergency relief funds for repairs on roads damaged by Typhoon Keith on Nov. 2, 1997, and by Typhoon Paka Dec. 16-17, 1997.

"President Clinton recognizes the severe damage that the Northern Mariana Islands have suffered as a result of Typhoons Keith and Paka," Secretary Slater said. "We are particularly concerned about the destruction caused to transportation systems because transportation is vital to people’s daily lives and to the commonwealth’s economy."

The $4.3 million, which comes from the department’s Federal Highway Administration, was provided in response to the commonwealth’s request for help to repair federal-aid roads. The funding will permit emergency relief funds to be used for work necessary to repair damage to roads in the commonwealth.

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 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.