AASHTO Journal, 28 October 2016
The Federal Highway Administration said it has made $1.615 million available from its emergency relief account to help begin repairs to Wisconsin roads and bridges damaged by recent flooding.
“These floodwaters have impacted the residents and businesses statewide,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This money will ensure critical repairs are made to keep affected communities connected to vital services and emergency relief.”
The state experienced a series of severe storms in August and September that caused major flooding, resulting in washouts of roads, culverts and multi-use paths, the Oct. 25 announcement said.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., had written Foxx on Oct. 12 about the recent damage and to ask him to tap the FHWA’s quick-release account for Wisconsin again, after it provided $4.15 million for Wisconsin storm repairs in July.
She wrote that storms on Aug. 10-11 and Sept. 21 “triggered devastating widespread floods and mudslides” throughout western Wisconsin, leaving more than 80 sites eligible for FHWA emergency relief.
The FHWA said the money will be used to stabilize, rebuild and repair damaged embankments, roadways and bridges.
“We want to do whatever we can to help the state move forward on the repairs needed to restore vital transportation links,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “Our mission is to help Wisconsinites get their lives back to normal and relieve the toll on their economy.”