West Virginia getting $5 million from federal government to repair rain damage to infrastructure

West Virginia will get $5 million in federal funds to repair roads and bridges damaged by recent rainstorms, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced today.

"These funds are vital to helping the people of West Virginia and other states hurt by storms of this magnitude," Foxx said. "We are doing everything we can to help ensure damaged roads and bridges are repaired quickly, so life can return to normal as soon as possible in the affected areas."

West Virginia’s highway system was battered by a series of heavy rainstorms and flooding in early March. About half the state’s 55 counties reported substantial damage, including landslides along U.S. 52 in Wayne County -- a major coal transportation corridor linking southern West Virginia coal to port facilities along the Big Sandy River.

State officials estimate the damage at nearly $15 million. Federal emergency relief funds will be used to repair damaged culverts and pavement and other affected areas at about 150 state locations.

The Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief program reimburses states for emergency work done after damaging storms or other catastrophic events. The agency provides additional funds as permanent repairs are identified and cost estimates are completed.