WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announces the immediate availability of $10 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help repair roads damaged by flooding and landslides in Tennessee. The funds were approved shortly after being requested by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
“These emergency relief funds will help Tennessee expedite the repair process and restore access to roads as quickly as possible,” Chao said.
Tennessee’s record for precipitation was broken with over 20 inches of rain during the month of February. The historic rainfall brought damage to highways in 72 counties throughout the state. The $10 million in “quick release” funding will be used to pay for the repairs done to restore essential traffic and prevent additional damage at locations impacted by severe flooding and mudslides. 
Total damage from this storm is estimated at $75 million. This initial “quick release” payment is considered a down payment on the costs of short-term repairs while the state continues damage assessments for long-term repairs. 
The FHWA’s ER program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.