The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is reimbursing the state of Mississippi $18 million for extensive highway repairs.
Mississippi experienced extensive flooding last winter. The significant amount of rainfall flooded many roadways, causing damage throughout the state — including in Webster County.
The in Emergency Relief funding is part of an overall emergency relief package totaling $871.2 million to help 39 states and territories make repairs to roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods and other unexpected events.
“This administration is providing federal funding to help repair roads and bridges damaged during natural disasters including hurricanes, wildfires, floods and earthquakes,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said in a Sept. 10 release.
FHWA’s ER program reimburses states, territories, federal land management agencies and tribal governments for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergency situations. The funds help to pay for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges along with the arrangement of detours and replacement of guardrails or other damaged safety devices.
This Emergency Relief funding includes awards of more than $18 million for flooding in Mississippi in December and February, including in Webster County.
“These funds will help restore the nation’s roads and bridges following severe weather events that have disrupted travel throughout the country,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason.
