FHWA 20-19 November 20, 2019 Contact: Nancy Singer Tel.: (202) 366-0660

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced the immediate availability of $500,000 in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help repair roads damaged by storm events in Vermont that affected several counties. The funds were approved after being requested by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans).

“These emergency funds will help pay for essential repairs to roads and bridges in Vermont damaged by recent storms,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason. “The federal-aid provided today represents the first installment of our commitment to restoring transportation infrastructure in the state.” 

As the result of heavy rains, high winds and flooding occurring from a storm event October 31-November 1, 2019, many roads throughout Vermont were forced to close following slope failures, washed out pavements and culverts, and other damage. The counties of Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington were all affected. State and local agencies acted as expeditiously as possible to repair and reopen federal-aid routes in order to eliminate the need for lengthy detours for the traveling public in mountainous terrain areas in the state.

The $500,000 in quick release funds will be used to reimburse VTrans and municipalities for the repairs that were necessary to reopen essential federal-aid routes damaged by this storm event. 

This initial “quick release” payment is considered a down payment on the costs of short-term repairs while the state continues damage assessments for long-term repairs. The FHWA’s ER program provides funding for federally eligible highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

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