In a move to bolster national hurricane preparedness and aid communities in recovering from severe storms, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced over $1.5 billion in federal funding. This funding aims to expedite repairs to roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, including more than $683 million allocated for damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Secretary Duffy's visit to some of the most affected areas was among his initial actions upon assuming office. The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) program will provide federal reimbursement funding for these repairs. The funds are designated for repairing and reconstructing federal-aid highways and federally owned roads across 36 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
The funding will address repair needs following various natural disasters such as flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and mudslides. "Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department will leave no state behind," said Secretary Duffy. "We are expediting the process to remove unnecessary barriers for urgent projects so communities can rebuild in real time."
Federal Highway Chief Counsel Jay Payne emphasized the FHWA's commitment: "The Federal Highway Administration has been working closely with states across the country to restore vital transportation networks and provide safe travel for the public."
Specific allocations include North Carolina receiving $415 million, with over $400 million dedicated to Hurricane Helene damage; Tennessee receiving $227 million with more than $178 million for Helene-related damage; South Carolina receiving $68.8 million with over $50 million for Helene damage; Florida receiving $44.6 million with more than $43 million for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby damage; and Georgia receiving $26.4 million including $23 million for Helene damage.
The FHWA’s Emergency Relief Program is designed to assist states in performing repairs due to major natural disasters and extreme weather events.
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