Federal Highway Administration Announces $3 Million for Emergency Repairs to Flood-Damaged Roads and Bridges in Missouri |
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Federal Highway Administration
9 May 2017
FHWA 08-17
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel.: (202) 366-0660
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced the immediate availability of $3 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to help begin repairs on flood-damaged roads and bridges in Missouri as well as federal roads in the Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
“Putting these funds to work when they are so badly needed will help workers repair Missouri highways and bridges as quickly as possible,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “To quickly and safely restore traffic throughout the state, these funds are a critical resource for the Show Me State.”
Beginning on April 28, torrential rains across much of southern Missouri caused record flooding of creeks, streams and rivers. As much as 10 inches of rain fell in some areas. In the following days, intense rain moved to northern and eastern Missouri causing flooding throughout most of the state’s 113 counties. Two Ozark County bridges on State Routes CC and PP were washed out and several major highways were closed, including I-44, I-55, US-50, US-61, US-63 and US-67.
The $3 million in “quick release” funds will be used primarily to restore emergency access and to initiate the most critical repairs in the next few weeks.
“The flooding has caused significant damage to roads and bridges throughout Missouri creating disruptions for travelers throughout the state,” said Acting Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Walter “Butch” Waidelich. “The funding will help the state make immediate repairs to open roads and represents the beginning of our commitment to continue to help the state while completing damage assessments.”
This initial installment is considered a down payment on the costs of short-term repairs now, which can help long-term repair work begin more quickly. The FHWA’s ER program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.