Transportation Secretary Slater Announces $1.1 Million in Emergency Relief Funds For Flood-Damaged Road in New Jersey

Topics:  Rodney E. Slater

Federal Highway Administration
December 3, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 3, 1998
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 60-98

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced that New Jersey will receive $1.1 million in emergency relief funds for repairs on federal-aid roads in Cape May and Ocean counties as a result of severe storms and flooding that began on Feb. 4, 1998.

"President Clinton and I recognize the damage that these areas in New Jersey suffered," Secretary Slater said. "We are particularly concerned about damage to roads because safe, efficient transportation is vital to the daily lives of New Jersey residents and visitors and also to the region’s economy."

The $1.1 million, which comes from the department’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), was provided in response to the state’s request for help to repair federal-aid roads

FHWA funds are awarded after the President or the governor issues a formal emergency proclamation and the state has filed a preliminary damage assessment for its highways and bridges on the federal-aid system. FHWA will 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.