In a coordinated effort to support states in repairing and reconstructing roads and bridges damaged by catastrophic events and extreme weather, the U.S. Department of Transportation has allocated $749 million in Emergency Relief Program funds to 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These funds serve as federal reimbursement for damages incurred as a result of major disaster declarations.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the importance of these funds, stating, "Cleanup and repairs can take years, and these funds are an important way our Department can help get families and communities moving again."

 

The impact of climate events on communities is significant, affecting their economic livelihood and quality of life. FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt emphasized the role of long-term investments in building resilient transportation infrastructure to address the devastating impacts of climate change and catastrophic events.

The majority of FHWA's Emergency Relief funding is directed towards reimbursing states, territories, federal land management agencies, and Tribal governments for repairing and restoring roads and bridges following wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other weather-related events. Notable incidents include Hurricane Ian in Florida, rainstorms and wildfires in California, Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and flooding near Yellowstone Park in 2022. The funding package also includes repairs for the pedestrian bridge in Washington, D.C., that collapsed in June 2021 when struck by a truck.

As part of the broader strategy to rebuild resilient infrastructure, the Emergency Relief Program complements other programs outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law introduces new programs and expanded eligibilities, such as the PROTECT Formula and Discretionary Grant programs, which focus on enhancing the resiliency of transportation infrastructure in the face of climate change. The recently opened PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program provides $848 million in competitive grant funding for projects that improve resilience to natural hazards and climate change impacts.

Landscape architects play a vital role in the rebuilding process, contributing their expertise to design and implement resilient infrastructure solutions. By incorporating climate resiliency into the Emergency Relief program regulations, FHWA aims to allocate funds more effectively to enhance system resilience.

https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/biden-harris-administration-announces-749-million-repair-roads-and-bridges-damaged-natural