U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $1 Million in Quick Release Emergency Relief Funds for Flood Damage in Connecticut

Topics:  Ray LaHood

Federal Highway Administration
2 September 2011

FHWA 46-11
Friday, September 2, 2011
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-4650

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced he is making $1 million in quick release emergency funds immediately available to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to begin repairs to roads and bridges damaged by floods from Hurricane Irene.

"The Obama Administration is committed to providing Connecticut with the resources it needs as it begins to recover from the damages caused by Hurricane Irene," Secretary LaHood said. "We are making emergency relief funds available right away to start the process of rebuilding."

Following an already rainy season, continued rainfall and heavy winds from Hurricane Irene resulted in catastrophic flooding and damage to roads and bridges in wide areas across Connecticut. CTDOT will use the quick release funds to continue to maintain traffic and expedite emergency repairs to roads, highways and bridges throughout the state.

"This emergency funding is the first step in repairing critical transportation links and helping return a sense of normalcy to communities in the region," Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said.

Quick release emergency funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are used to reimburse communities for the cost of repairs to resume essential traffic flow immediately after the flooding and prevent further damage.

FHWA's emergency relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

Mendez added that FHWA anticipates additional funding requests from states that have been battered by extreme weather.