More than $1.5 billion in federal funding will be dispersed to help states and U.S. territories accelerate repairs to roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, including more than $683 million to repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who announced the funding, visited some of the hardest hit areas as one of his first actions when taking office. Repairs resulting from these events will receive federal reimbursement funding under the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) program.

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s coordinated approach to help states move quickly to repair and rebuild roads and bridges, the FHWA is providing the funds to repair and reconstruct federal-aid highways and federally owned roads in 36 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. 

The funds will be used to support repair needs following natural disasters, catastrophic events, and extreme weather such as flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and mudslides.

“We are expediting the process to remove unnecessary barriers for urgent projects so communities can rebuild in real time. Within the first 100 days of the administration, we announced repairs to North Carolina’s I-40 highway, washed out by Hurricane Helene, that are projected to save two-thirds in both cost and time—amounting to hundreds of millions of hard-earned tax dollars,” said Duffy. “We will continue to support impacted states and regions every step of the way as they make emergency repairs and get critical transportation infrastructure back up and running as quickly and safely as possible.”

“The Federal Highway Administration has been working closely with states across the country to restore vital transportation networks and provide safe travel for the public,” said Federal Highway Chief Counsel Jay Payne. “As we continue to provide disaster relief, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide the federal resources needed until all highway transportation links are restored.”

• North Carolina is receiving $415 million of which more than $400 million is for Hurricane Helene damage. 

• Tennessee is receiving $227 million of which more than $178 million is for Hurricane Helene damage.

• South Carolina is receiving $68.8 million of which more than $50 million is for Hurricane Helene damage. 

• Florida is receiving $44.6 million of which more than $43 million is for Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby damage. 

• Georgia is receiving $26.4 million, including $23 million for Hurricane Helene damage.

FHWA’s Emergency Relief Program provides funding to help states perform repairs caused by major natural disasters and extreme weather events.