DOT Announces $802 Million to Repair Roads and Bridges
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced an $802 million allocation to support the repair and rebuilding of roads and bridges affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events. This funding, distributed through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) program, will aid 36 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico in addressing infrastructure damage from hurricanes, flooding, mudslides, and other catastrophic events. Notable allocations include continued repairs from Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, recent flooding in Vermont, and severe atmospheric rivers in California. This initiative underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to enhancing the resilience of the nation’s transportation infrastructure amid increasing climate-related challenges.
Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White emphasized that this funding is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of the nation’s roads and bridges, reflecting a broader strategy to address the impacts of climate change. Since December 2021, nearly $4.2 billion in Emergency Relief funding has been disbursed, highlighting a significant federal investment in infrastructure resilience. The funding aims to ensure that critical transportation links can withstand future climate events and continue to serve communities effectively, reinforcing the administration’s focus on building infrastructure that is both durable and adaptable to changing environmental conditions.
