Storm Recovery: DOT Announcing $1.5B to Affected States

Federal Government Announces $1.5 Billion for Storm Recovery

Major Storm Recovery Efforts Focus on Hurricane Helene

The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing more than $1.5 billion in federal funding. This money will help states and U.S. territories with storm recovery. It will be used to repair roads, bridges, and other transportation systems damaged by natural disasters.

The funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. Over $683 million of the total will go toward repairs after Hurricane Helene. That storm caused major damage to highways and infrastructure in the southeastern United States.

Southeastern States Receive the Most Recovery Funding

Five southeastern states will get the largest shares of Hurricane Helene-related storm recovery funds:

• North Carolina will receive $415 million. More than $400 million of that is for damage from Hurricane Helene.
• Tennessee will receive $227 million. More than $178 million is for Helene-related repairs.
• South Carolina will get $68.8 million, including over $50 million for Helene damage.
• Florida will receive $44.6 million. This includes damage from Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby. Over $43 million is tied to storm recovery work.
• Georgia is getting $26.4 million, with $23 million for Hurricane Helene recovery.

Recovery Support Through FHWA Program

The FHWA Emergency Relief Program reimburses states and territories for emergency roadwork. This includes repairs to federal-aid highways and roads owned by the federal government. The program helps pay for damage from hurricanes, floods, mudslides, wildfires, and other extreme weather.

This year’s funding will support storm recovery in 36 states. The funds will also go to the District of Columbia and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to the Department of Transportation, the goal is to help communities rebuild quickly. The funding is part of a larger plan to reopen critical roads and bridges without delay.

Early Storm Recovery Work in North Carolina

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy visited the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. He did this shortly after taking office. The Department of Transportation moved quickly to begin repairs.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department will leave no state behind. 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 U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. 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.”

Federal Highway Administration’s Role in Storm Recovery

The Federal Highway Administration is working closely with state agencies. Their goal is to help complete storm recovery projects and keep the public safe.

“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.”

Funding List Available

A full list of storm recovery funding amounts by state and territory is available. The details can be found on the FHWA Emergency Relief Program page.