U.S. DOT announces more than $1.5 billion for natural disaster road and bridge repair

In an ongoing effort to support national hurricane preparedness and help communities move quickly to recover from devastating storms, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced this week more than $1.5 billion in federal funding to help states and U.S. territories accelerate repairs to roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, including more than $683 million to repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Repairs resulting from these events will receive federal reimbursement funding under the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) program. 

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s coordinated approach to help states move quickly to repair and rebuild roads and bridges, the FHWA is providing the funds to repair and reconstruct federal-aid highways and federally owned roads in 36 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The funds will be used to support repair needs following natural disasters, catastrophic events, and extreme weather such as flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and mudslides.  

• North Carolina is receiving $415 million of which more than $400 million is for Hurricane Helene damage. 
• Tennessee is receiving $227 million of which more than $178 million is for Hurricane Helene damage.  
• South Carolina is receiving $68.8 million of which more than $50 million is for Hurricane Helene damage. 
• Florida is receiving $44.6 million of which more than $43 million is for Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby damage. 
• Georgia is receiving $26.4 million, including $23 million for Hurricane Helene damage.  

“The Federal Highway Administration has been working closely with states across the country to restore vital transportation networks and provide safe travel for the public,” said Federal Highway Chief Counsel Jay Payne.  “As we continue to provide disaster relief, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide the federal resources needed until all highway transportation links are restored.”