FHWA 47-15 Friday, June 26, 2015 Contact: Nancy Singer Tel: 202-366-0660

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $1 million in Emergency Relief funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department cover the costs of repairing federal-aid roads recently damaged by floods throughout the state.

"We are aware of the state's urgent need to repair damage caused by the recent flooding," said Secretary Foxx. "The funding provided today represents a down payment on our commitment to Arkansas for additional federal support."

State officials are continuing to assess the damage in the state. Seventeen counties have been declared disaster areas by Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

The emergency funds provided today will be used on SH-41 and SH-71 in Franklin County to repair landslide damage and to protect piers and bridge abutments along the Red River. The funds will also help resurface damaged roads and repair embankments.

"We're working closely with Arkansas to ensure the state can begin making repairs as soon as possible," said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. "Emergency relief funds help expedite repairs so area drivers can resume their daily lives."

Funds from FHWA's Emergency Relief Program will reimburse the state for emergency work done in the immediate aftermath of the weather event. FHWA's Emergency Relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

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