VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES FUNDING OF $23.8 MILLION FOR OHIO ROADS

Federal Highway Administration
October 13, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 13, 1998
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: (202) 366-0660
FHWA 47-98

Vice President Gore today announced that Ohio will receive $23.8 million in Federal Highway Administration emergency relief funds for repairs on roads damaged by severe storms and flooding that began June 24, 1998.

"While the people of Ohio suffered the tragic consequences of storms and floods earlier this year, I am pleased that these emergency relief funds will help restore roads in affected communities," Vice President Gore said. "Restoring damaged roads is one of the most important actions the federal government can take to help communities in Ohio recover from the devastating effects of these floods."

The $23.8 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 to roads in Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Franklin, Guernsey, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Richland, Tuscarawas and Washington counties.

FHWA emergency relief money is awarded after the President or Governor has issued a formal emergency proclamation, 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.