FHWA funds roads and bridges damaged in Oregon, Washington

The Federal Highway Administration granted $2 million in emergency relief funds Friday to repair the roads and bridges that were recently damaged by floods in Oregon and Washington.

The funds were given to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) as well as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

“Emergency relief funding will help these two states continue their recovery from the extensive damage caused by this storm,” Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation secretary, said. “We want residents of the Pacific Northwest to know that we understand how important it is to get these roads open so life there can return to normal as soon as possible.”

The roads were damaged because there was heavy rainfall throughout last week. Several serious winter storms resulted in landslides, flood, culvert failures, erosion and sinkholes. Approximately 18 inches of rain fell in just three days.

“Both states should know that the funds provided today are only a down payment toward completing the many other repairs to the highways that the region’s thousands of residents and travelers rely heavily upon this time of year,” Gregory Nadeau, Federal Highway administrator, said. “Additional resources will become available as the state continues to assess the damage.”