WASHINGTON DC (April 12, 2019) — Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao today announced the immediate availability of $9 million in Emergency Relief “Quick Release” funds from the Federal Highway Administration to the state of Iowa to help repair road-damages caused by flooding in Iowa.
“This money will help with the emergency-repairs and getting roads reopened in Southwest Iowa,” Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley said. “However, this is just the tip of the iceberg in helping with the total emergency road needs in Iowa.”
The State of Iowa faces severe transportation-repair needs due to flood damage. Requests for emergency-relief funding for transportation repairs have reached approximately $90 million. Sen Grassley spoke directly with Secretary Chao regarding disaster-related transportation needs in Iowa. Sen Grassley’s staff has also spoken with Acting Federal Highway Administrator Brandye Hendrickson in detail about the emergency-relief funds and transportation challenges posed by the current flooding.
The “Quick Release” funds are intended as a down payment on the costs of short-term repairs while further damage assessment for long-term repairs take place. The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief program provides funding for federally eligible highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.
The award notice is available here.
