FHWA 19-14 Tuesday, June 26, 2014 Contact: Nicole Jones Tel: 202-366-0660

Funding will Help Repair Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding from Heavy Rainfall

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $750,000 in emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help the state of South Dakota cover the costs of repairs to storm-damaged roads from last week's heavy rains.

"This money will help repair the roads and bridges damaged during recent storms that also flooded homes, schools, and businesses," said Secretary Foxx. "Getting these roads opened will allow the people of South Dakota to begin to put their lives back together."

On June 16, torrential rains flooded southeast and northwest portions South Dakota. Swollen rivers flooded streets, homes and made travel impossible for thousands. The next day, Gov. Dennis Daugaard declared a state of emergency.

Sioux Falls has already received more than 13 inches of rain this month – almost 11 inches more than average, making the recent storm the state's third-highest one-day rainfall.

"These emergency relief funds are critical for all South Dakotans," said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. "Our job is to repair damaged roads and restore safety for the community, so their lives can return to normal as soon as possible."

The funds from FHWA's Emergency Relief program will reimburse the South Dakota Department of Transportation for emergency work done to highways and bridges caused by flood damage.

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