FHWA provides funding for flood-damaged roads and bridges in Missouri, US

TINNews |

TIN news: The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released funds for repair works on the flood-damaged roads and bridges in Missouri.

Works will also cover federal roads in the Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

For these repair works, FHWA has allocated $3m in emergency relief (ER) funds, which will be used primarily to restore emergency access and initiate critical repairs in the next few weeks.

The FHWA’s ER programme provides funding to highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said: “Putting these funds to work when they are so badly needed will help workers repair Missouri highways and bridges as quickly as possible.

"The flooding has caused significant damage to roads and bridges throughout Missouri creating disruptions for travellers throughout the state."

“To quickly and safely restore traffic throughout the state, these funds are a critical resource for the 'show me state'.”

Last month, heavy torrential rains resulted in record flooding of creeks, streams and rivers in Southern Missouri. Rains moved to northern and eastern Missouri causing flooding throughout most of the state’s 113 counties.

Two Ozark County bridges on state routes CC and PP were also washed-out.

FHWA acting deputy federal highway administrator Walter Waidelich said: “The flooding has caused significant damage to roads and bridges throughout Missouri creating disruptions for travellers throughout the state.

“The funding will help the state make immediate repairs to open roads and represents the beginning of our commitment to continue to help the state while completing damage assessments.”