US Department of Transportation sends $2 million for Missouri flood repairs
The Missouri Department of Transportation is actively evaluating how to spend emergency relief funding provided by the federal government.
Two million dollars were made available to the state Friday by the Federal Highway Administration for flood damage repairs.
“These emergency funds will help Missouri repair roads and bridges that were heavily damaged as a result of severe storms in March,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in a statement Friday.
It’s now up to MODOT to decide how that money is allocated throughout the state. A spokesman for the department said Friday six contracts have been issued in northwest Missouri and no spending had been approved for the central district.
The MODOT central district is made up of 18 Mid-Missouri counties. It’s not clear if any of those areas will see a portion of the $2 million.
Water levels remain flooded at the Missouri River Bridge in Jefferson City, according to the National Weather Service. The river crested just above 28 feet late this week. The standard for flood stage is 23 feet.
“This initial ‘quick release’ payment is considered a down payment on the costs of short-term repairs while the state continues damage assessments for long-term repairs,” according to the USDOT statement.
The U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday that a portion of the Mississipi River is closed to all traffic due to high water levels.
