U.S. Secretary of Transportation Foxx Announces $2 Million in 'Quick Release' Emergency Relief Funds For Alabama, Florida

Topics:  Anthony Foxx

Federal Highway Administration
6 May 2014

FHWA 09-14
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

Funding to Help Repair Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding from Recent Storms

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $2 million in federal emergency relief funds to Florida and Alabama to repair roads and bridges damaged by flooding. Each state will receive $1 million for repairs to roads in Florida's Panhandle and southwest Alabama.

"These funds represent a down payment on our commitment to the people of Florida and Alabama," said Secretary Foxx. "The routes affected by the flooding are important transportation links that residents and businesses rely on each day, and we are committed to helping these communities rebuild."

On April 29, a two-day frontal system produced heavy rainfall in Florida's Panhandle, exceeding 24 inches in some areas, causing severe flooding. At least 24 counties were affected, with key routes suffering severe erosion or pavement damage, including I-10, I-110 and U.S. 90.

In neighboring Alabama, parts of Baldwin and Mobile counties received at least 20 inches of rain. The downpour caused slope failure on Range Line Road in Mobile County and badly damaged culverts on State Route 59 in Baldwin County.

"Emergency relief funding will make immediate repairs possible and allow the roads to open again," said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. "We want to ensure that residents of Florida and Alabama have access to vital connectors, and can resume normal travel in the affected parts of the two states."

Today's funding will allow the Florida and Alabama Departments of Transportation to move quickly to restore essential traffic and prevent further damage while the agencies continue to work with the Federal Highway Administration to determine the extent of the damage. Cost estimates for damage in both states are not yet final.

The FHWA's Emergency Relief program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.