FHWA 52-11
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $2 Million in Quick Release Emergency Relief Funds for Flood Damage in New Jersey

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced he is making $2 million in quick release emergency funds immediately available to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to begin repairs to roads and bridges damaged by floods from Hurricane Irene.

"The aftermath of Hurricane Irene has left New Jersey residents with a massive cleanup job and limited mobility because of damaged roads and bridges," Secretary LaHood said. "This emergency relief funding will help the state make repairs that will restore critical routes to help communities get back up and running."

New Jersey suffered flooding and substantial damage to roads and bridges from Hurricane Irene’s rainfall on August 26-28. NJDOT will use quick release funds to expedite emergency repairs to roads, highways and bridges throughout the state.

"Getting funds immediately into communities to help clear debris and make repairs quickly to roads and bridges will not only speed up recovery but it will also prevent additional costly damage," Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said.

NJDOT estimates that overall damage to federal-aid highways from these floods is estimated to exceed $25 million.

Quick release emergency funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will be used to reimburse counties for the cost of repairs that were done in order to resume essential traffic flow immediately after the flooding and prevent further damage.

FHWA's emergency relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

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