U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $2 Million for Emergency Repairs to Flood-Damaged Roads and Bridges in Missouri

Federal Highway Administration
12 July 2019

FHWA 17-19
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: (202) 366-0660

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the immediate availability of $2 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help repair roads damaged by flooding in the northwest and southeast areas of Missouri. The funds were approved after being requested by the Missouri Department of Transportation (DOT).

“These emergency funds will help repair Missouri’s roads and bridges damaged by the recent storms in April and May,” said Secretary Chao.

Beginning in April, severe storms resulted in tornadoes, high winds, hail, heavy rains, flooding and flash flooding – adding damage to roads and bridges in many areas across Missouri that were already inundated from earlier flooding. Alongside heavy rainfall, above-normal snowpack set conditions for significant river flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

The $2 million in “quick release” funding helps the state continue to pay for necessary repairs to restore essential traffic and prevent additional damage at locations impacted by severe flooding. The funding provided today is in addition to the $2 million the state received in May, bringing the total to $4 million for Missouri for flooding events this year. The Missouri DOT estimates this latest event caused damage in excess of $30 million.

This initial “quick release” payment is considered a down payment on the costs of short-term repairs while the state continues damage assessments for long-term repairs. The FHWA’s ER program provides funding for federally eligible highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.