FHWA 10-19 Friday, May 3, 2019 Contact: 202-366-0660

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the immediate availability of $2 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help repair roads damaged by widespread flooding throughout Missouri. The funds were approved after being requested by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

“These emergency funds will help Missouri repair roads and bridges that were heavily damaged as a result of severe storms in March,” said Secretary Chao.

Snow, wind and rain from the storms crippled communities in several states, including South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Missouri. Flooding caused by the storm hit northwest and southeast Missouri the hardest, particularly along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Flood conditions continued into mid-April, and forced the evacuation of several communities in Atchison, Buchanan and Holt counties, as well as areas west of I-29.

In March, the floods prompted 215 road closures in 55 counties, including US-36, US-136, US-59, US-159, and I-29 between Kansas City and the Iowa state line. As of last week, 46 roads remained closed. State officials estimate widespread road repairs are needed, including the replacement of a bridge and several bridge approaches.

The $2 million in “quick release” funding will be used to pay for the repairs done to restore essential traffic and prevent additional damage at locations impacted by severe flooding, and support efforts to restore traffic and open rural routes. Missouri DOT estimates the storm caused damage in excess of $10 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 federally eligible highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

# # #