DOT PROVIDES $5 MILLION TO PUERTO RICO FOR FLOOD-DAMAGED ROADS

Federal Highway Administration
September 29, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 29, 1998
Contact: Karen Whitney
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 42-98

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, while touring the devastation from Hurricane Georges in Puerto Rico, today announced that Puerto Rico will receive an initial allocation of $5 million in emergency relief funds to begin repairs on roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Georges.

"President Clinton and I are deeply concerned about the devastation that the people of Puerto Rico are facing because of Hurricane Georges," Mrs. Clinton said. "This initial amount for repairs to roads and bridges will jump start the recovery process, and we are all committed to help Puerto Rico in the days and weeks ahead rebound from this disaster."

The emergency relief funding is from the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and may be used to repair damage to federal-aid roads and bridges.

FHWA money is awarded after the President or Governor issues a formal emergency proclamation and the state files 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 traffic signals, signs and lighting.