US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the immediate availability of $3 million in Emergency Relief funds from the
US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) cover the costs of repairing federal-aid roads damaged by heavy rains and flooding.
Significant rains last month resulted in flooding and mudslides throughout Kentucky, causing highway embankment failures and road and bridge damage statewide. Specifically, a section of SH 52 collapsed in Lee County near Beattyville, and a portion of SH 22 in Louisville was completely washed out.
The emergency funds will be used to remove debris and all other work needed to reopen the affected roads to traffic. State officials estimated the cost of stabilizing and repairing the impacted areas is $9 million. This work is necessary to prevent further damage to Kentucky roads and to ensure the safety of the traveling public.