WASHINGTON, D.C. >> U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced on Tuesday a $2 million Emergency Relief grant for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of the Valley Fire. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
“The Valley Fire is the third worst fire in California’s history and has caused untold amounts of damage to critical infrastructure,” said Thompson. “There is a lot of rebuilding and recovery ahead of us, and repairing our roads is a big part of that process. I commend the FHA for their swift approval of these funds. They will help greatly as our community works to gets back on its feet.”
ER funds are awarded to a State after the President or the Governor issues a formal emergency declaration and the State files a request for ER for the cost of damages to its eligible highways. Eligible repair work includes emergency repairs needed to restore essential traffic, minimize the extent of damage, or protect the remaining facilities, as well as permanent repairs necessary to restore the highway to its pre-disaster condition.
The Valley Fire, which started on September 12, has burned some 76,000 acres and is currently more than 75 percent contained. According to initial counts, 1,238 homes have been destroyed. 68 commercial properties and 642 outbuildings have been destroyed. Thousands of people have been displaced.
Three are confirmed dead.
The Valley Fire has caused significant damage to area highways. The highway damage involves pavements, signs, guardrails and safety features, destabilized slopes and embankments, and debris from trees and burned structures.
