U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Announces $2 Million in 'Quick Release' Emergency Relief Funds for New Hampshire and Vermont |
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Topics: Anthony Foxx
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Federal Highway Administration
26 July 2013
FHWA 33-13
Friday, July 26, 2013
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660
Funds will Help Restore Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding
WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is immediately making available $2 million in emergency relief funds to help New Hampshire and Vermont cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by flooding from May through July. Each state will receive $1 million.
"The people in New Hampshire and Vermont have faced significant transportation obstacles because of this flooding," Secretary Foxx said. "We are committed to helping get their roads and bridges reopened as quickly as possible so they can get back to their regular daily lives."
Massive rainfall across New Hampshire, in some areas more than three inches in less than an hour, caused flash flooding throughout the state as river levels rose and the ground became increasingly saturated. The floods washed out roads and bridges, creating hazardous driving conditions.
In Vermont, heavy rain and thunderstorms caused severe damage to highways. In particular, I-89 southbound in Williston was damaged, causing a lane closure and severe backups during commuting hours. A section of Manhattan Drive in Burlington and a section of Vermont Route 15 in Essex were washed out.
"These federal resources will help get things back on track in New Hampshire and Vermont communities," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "We will continue to support the states until transportation is completely restored."
Funds from the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program will reimburse the New Hampshire Department of Transportation $1 million for emergency work done to resume traffic flow in the disaster areas where roads were washed out. The Vermont Department of Transportation will receive $1 million as reimbursement for the repair work done to reopen the roads.
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.