DOT 13-12
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel: 202-366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $28 Million in Emergency Relief Funds to Repair Damaged Transportation Links in Federal Parks and Recreation Areas in New York and New Jersey

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that $28 million will be made available to repair roads and bridges in federal parks and recreation areas in New York and New Jersey damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The funding will help ensure the repairs are completed as quickly as possible.

"This funding will continue to help restoration efforts and ensure that tourists will be able to enjoy these historic sites," Secretary LaHood said. "We remain committed to doing all we can to help the region recover from the Hurricane Sandy."

The Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program will provide funding to the National Park Service for the repair of roads, bridges, ferry docks and pedestrian walkways at five National Parks - the Gateway National Recreation Area in both states, the Statue of Liberty National Monument, Fire Island National Seashore, Governors Island National Monument and Sagamore Hills National Historic Site in New York. The ERFO program also will provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with funds to restore access to the Edwin B. Forsyth National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey.

"Restoring transportation links after an emergency is critical to the economy," Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "The tourist season means jobs and customers - and we want to help make sure popular parks and tourist destinations in New York and New Jersey are as accessible as possible and open for business."

The ERFO program provides funding to federal agencies to repair federal roads and other facilities damaged by natural disaster or catastrophic events. These federal agencies, such as the NPS and the USFWS, have ownership and maintenance responsibilities for facilities open to public travel.

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