FHWA 14-18
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel.: (202) 366-0660

WASHINGTON – The Federal Highway Administration today announced the immediate availability of $3 million in Emergency Relief program funds to help begin repairs on flood-damaged roads and bridges in Kentucky.

“Flash flooding has caused widespread damage in the Commonwealth,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.  “These emergency funds will expedite the repair process and help ensure that federal-aid highways and bridges can be accessible as quickly as possible.”

The Commonwealth of Kentucky was inundated by rain resulting in severe flooding and runoff causing slides, slips, embankment failures, and erosion on highways in 38 counties across eastern and southeastern Kentucky. These areas are very rural and mountainous, making it difficult to access the sites.

The $3 million in “quick release” funding will be used to pay for the repairs done to restore essential traffic and prevent additional damage at emergency repair locations across the Commonwealth.

Total damage from this event is estimated at $29.8 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 highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

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