U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Announces $1.5 Million in 'Quick Release' Emergency Relief Funds to Repair I-15 North of Las Vegas

Topics:  Interstate Highway System, Anthony Foxx

Federal Highway Administration
16 September 2014

FHWA 34-14
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $1.5 million in Emergency Relief funds to help the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) cover the cost of repairing a section of Interstate 15 and other routes damaged by flooding north of Las Vegas in the Moapa Valley. The funding comes from the from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

"The first step is to repair a section of this major interstate now in ruin, making it necessary for travelers to go through lengthy detours," said Secretary Foxx. "We are providing funding today knowing that additional federal assistance will be needed to repair all the damage."

Heavy rains from Hurricane Norbert resulted in significant flooding throughout southern Nevada, with the worst flooding happening in the Moapa Valley about 15 miles northeast of Las Vegas. I-15 was damaged from mile marker 64 to 112 north of Las Vegas, in Clark County between Glendale and Mesquite, with severe damage between mile markers 91 and 93. Several portions of I-15 were washed away by floodwaters.

"Funds like these will help speed up the repairs and connect the community again," said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. "We understand the disruption to the entire region, and the toll this is taking on smaller roads which now must handle the additional traffic until repairs to I-15 are made."

These federal funds will cover costs of reopening two lanes on I-15 and helping to start reconstruction of the severely damaged sections while Nevada officials continue to assess the damage, including US 93, SR 168 and other nearby highways.

Funds from FHWA's Emergency Relief Program will reimburse the state for emergency work done in the immediate aftermath of the flooding. The agency will provide additional funds as permanent repairs are identified and cost estimates are completed. FHWA's Emergency Relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.