$5 million in federal relief funds to fix flooded roads and bridges in Texas

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has made $5 million in relief funding available to repair damaged roads in Texas from flooding in the area, Secretary Anthony Foxx announced on Wednesday.

Initial state estimates from state and county officials predict that infrastructure damage from floods will likely reach $20 million. They state that heavy rain and floods have affected 37 counties in the state.

“As the nation has seen in numerous televised reports, highways and bridges throughout the Lone Star State have suffered severe damage from recent rain and flooding,” Foxx said. "The funding provided today will give communities in Texas a head start on the recovery process.”

This funding is made available from the DOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and will be prioritized to cover costs associated with the repair of federal roads that have seen flood and rain damage. Blanco and Hays counties will see this funding in the form of repairs for Interstate 35, pavement in Hays County, and the replacement of the Blanco River Bridge.

"We’re working closely with (the Texas Department of Transportation) to ensure repairs are made immediately and avoid further damage,” acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. “These emergency relief funds will make it possible to repair key routes that are impassible.”