Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx announced the immediate availability of the emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help carry out repairs following this week’s heavy rain and flooding.
“The situation in Louisiana is critical, with tens of thousands evacuated from their homes and cut off from vital transportation links,” said Foxx. “This natural disaster has been reported to be the worst to hit our nation since Superstorm Sandy – and many residents still face life threatening conditions. We are doing everything we can at the US DOT to help.”
Southeastern Louisiana experienced heavy rains on 11 August and the days following. Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency as the result of the heavy rain and flooding that extended to 20 parishes throughout the state. Rivers and bayous continue to experience flooding as the water is still rising in some areas.
Long-term repair costs are estimated to exceed US$10m in Louisiana as flood waters recede.
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