The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has authorized $134 million in quick-release emergency funds to aid state transportation departments in North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. This funding aims to expedite the recovery of infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene, which recently caused widespread destruction across these states.

• Funding Allocation: North Carolina will receive the largest portion of the funds, amounting to $100 million. Tennessee will receive $32 million, and South Carolina will get the remaining $2 million.
• Infrastructure Damage: Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, brought heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes, causing significant damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. North Carolina, in particular, has been severely affected, with major disaster declarations issued in 27 counties.
• Recovery Efforts: In North Carolina, the Department of Transportation has deployed 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment to reopen 4,700 damaged road sites. Approximately 3,000 soldiers and airmen are assisting in the western part of the state, which suffered the most damage.
• Humanitarian Impact: The hurricane has resulted in over 200 fatalities and displaced thousands of residents. Relief efforts include the delivery of nearly 10 million liters of water and 7.7 million meals to affected residents and responders.
• Future Preparedness: The FHWA’s emergency relief program, funded by the Highway Trust Fund, is designed to help states quickly restore federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands after natural disasters or catastrophic failures.

Reference: Transport Topics