DOT PROVIDES $1.6 MILLION TO OREGON TO REPAIR STORM-DAMAGED ROADS

Federal Highway Administration
April 14, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 14, 1999
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 24-99

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced that Oregon will receive $1.6 million in emergency relief funds to repair federal-aid roads damaged as a result of heavy rain and storms that began on Jan. 19, 1999.

"President Clinton recognizes the damage that Oregon has suffered because of the rains and storming, and these funds will help repair it," Secretary Slater said. "We are particularly concerned about the damage caused to the transportation systems because transportation is vital to people’s daily lives and to the state’s economy."

The $1.6 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. The funding will permit emergency relief funds to be used for work necessary to repair damage to roads in Tillamook County, west of Portland in the northwestern part of the state.

FHWA money is 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. The funds reimburse the state for emergency work that is already completed and provide 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.