WASHINGTON, D.C. >> U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) on Monday announced a $1,975,339 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 Federal Highway Administration.
“The Valley Fire caused untold amounts of damage to critical infrastructure, and we’re just in the initial stages of the repair process,” said Thompson. “It’s going to be long way back. There is a lot of rebuilding in front of us, and road repairs are a big part of it. These funds will help us continue our progress.”
Emergency Relief funds are awarded to a state after the president or the governor issues a formal emergency declaration and the state files a request 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 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.
