R.I. gets funding to fix Irene road damage

WASHINGTON – Rhode Island has been allotted $3.74 million in reimbursement funding from the federal government in order to fix roads and bridges damaged during Hurricane Irene.

The allotment is part of $1.6 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a variety of natural disasters from 2004 through 2011.

“Communities from coast to coast are still recovering from disasters that have affected the roads they use, their homes and businesses,” said U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. “The Obama administration stands ready to provide emergency relief and reimburse these communities for the work that has been done to restore their critical transportation needs.”

The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program will reimburse fixing or replacing highways, bridges or other roadway structures. Costs associated with detours, debris removal or other measures taken to restore traffic flow to affected areas are also eligible for reimbursement.

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“States and communities can rely on the federal government during these critical times,” said FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez. “When disaster strikes, the department will do all it can to provide help to the affected areas.”

Massachusetts will receive $4 million related to severe thunderstorms and a tornado on June 1, and $41 million for Tropical Storm Irene. Vermont will receive the largest portion, $125.6 million. North Dakota is to receive $89.1 million for the Devils Lake Basin for damage caused by runoff. And Iowa is being allocated $37.5 million to repair damage caused by Missouri River flooding.

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