The Federal Highway Administration has released $1 million in Emergency Relief funds to help South Carolina begin the process of repairing roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Matthew. The allocation comes a week after FHWA provided $5 million in emergency funds to North Carolina for the same purpose.
“Hurricane Matthew caused significant damage to South Carolina’s roadways and bridges, creating serious challenges for the local residents and taking a toll on the economy,” said Secretary Foxx. “We’re doing everything we can to support the state and local response to this disaster and are working to restore emergency access and begin the most critical repairs.”
Hurricane Matthew skirted the coast of South Carolina earlier in October causing hurricane and tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain, and flooding along the coast and far inland. North Carolina floodwaters are expected to cause rivers in South Carolina to overflow and result in additional flooding in the Palmetto State later this week. Damage to transportation infrastructure is already widespread in 13 counties in South Carolina.
The $1 million quick release will be used to primarily restore emergency access and begin the most critical repairs. The state is also ensuring that traffic is adequately maintained, damage surveys are accomplished, and that repairs and replacement of damaged highway facilities are expedited.
“The funding will help the state start repairs immediately while representing the first installment of federal resources until all the damage assessments are made,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “It will help ensure that people can access vital services and begin to rebuild their lives and communities.”
This initial “quick release” payment is considered a down payment on costs of making short-term repairs now, which can make long-term repair work possible in the weeks ahead. The FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.
