MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will receive $32 million in emergency relief funding to address road and bridge damages caused by Hurricane Helene.
This funding serves as an initial support measure for emergency repairs following the storm’s destruction.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared, “As recovery operations continue, this emergency transportation funding will help Tennessee address immediate needs on the path to recovery.” He emphasized the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to helping communities rebuild their roads and bridges.
Hurricane Helene has caused significant infrastructure damage in Tennessee, particularly in eight counties. The storm resulted in roadway washouts, and the need for bridge repairs, leading to closures on I-40 and I-26 near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White added, “Our top priority is to support the communities around Tennessee impacted by Helene. This funding is an important step toward recovery.”
The emergency relief funds will allow TDOT to restore traffic flow on I-40 and I-26 and other affected state routes, ensuring connections to impacted areas and aiding regional travel.
The FHWA’s emergency relief program provides funding to states and territories for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters. This initial allocation is part of a larger support system, with additional funds expected to be distributed as needed for continued recovery efforts.
The program aims not to restore infrastructure and also to improve its strength against future weather events, in line with the provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For more information about the FHWA's Emergency Relief program, visit their website.
