WASHINGTON – The Federal Highway Administration today announced the immediate availability of $1 million in Emergency Relief program funds to help begin repairs on flood-damaged roads and bridges in Wisconsin.
“The flooding has caused significant damage to roads and bridges in northwestern Wisconsin, and this funding will help the state make repairs as quickly as possible,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson. “It represents a down payment to help restore vital transportation links.”
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains, on June 16-17, that resulted in flooding caused damages to highway infrastructure in northwestern Wisconsin. The counties of Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, and Iron were affected. Flash flooding washed out numerous roads in the five counties. U.S. Highway 2, U.S. Highway 53, and State Highway 35 were some of the roads hardest hit by the flooding. On June 18, Governor Scott Walker declared a state of emergency.
The $1 million in “quick release” funding will be used to restore essential traffic for local communities.
This initial “quick release” payment is considered a first installment on the costs of short-term repairs while the state continues damage assessments for long-term repairs. The FHWA’s ER program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.
