SECRETARY SLATER ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION TO REPAIR NEW YORK’S FLOOD-DAMAGED ROADS

Federal Highway Administration
February 13, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 13, 1998
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 7-98

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced that New York will receive an initial allocation of $2 million in emergency relief funds for repairs on roads damaged by heavy rains and flooding in January 1998.

"President Clinton recognizes the devastation caused by the floods and the need to repair roads in New York," Secretary Slater said. "Transportation is vital to the state’s economy and to people’s daily lives. We are committed to doing all that we can to help fully restore these important roads."

The $2 million, which comes from the department’s Federal Highway Administration, was provided in response to the state’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.

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 the state 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.