WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has released $40.6 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funding to repair damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.
“The recovery process from Irene and Lee has been challenging, but this funding is a positive development in Pennsylvania’s effort to rebuild from the damage,” said Senator Casey. “I will continue to push the federal government to provide as much help as possible to the communities affected by storms so Pennsylvanians whose lives have been disrupted can get back on their feet.”
Work eligible through the funding announced today includes emergency repairs needed to restore essential traffic, minimize the extent of damage and protect remaining facilities, and make permanent repairs necessary to restore highways to pre-disaster condition. This funding applies to federal-aid eligible highways in areas affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.
Senator Casey has urged FEMA to prioritize disaster relief funding to Pennsylvania over states that do not have the same harsh winter climates so that repairs can be made more quickly.
ER funds are awarded to a State after a formal emergency declaration is made and the State files a request for ER for the cost of damages to its eligible highways.
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