Tester secures assistance for flood-damaged highways

Senator pushed for emergency relief in the wake of this year’s historic floods

(U.S. SENATE) – The State of Montana will receive assistance to create jobs to help repair roads and highways damaged by this year’s record flooding, Senator Jon Tester announced today.

Tester asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for financial relief in July after record flooding in central and eastern Montana caused widespread damage to roads and bridges across the region. 

In his July letter to Secretary Ray LaHood, Tester asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to reimburse state and tribal agencies for emergency flood-related spending.

In response, the Transportation Department today announced more than $2.5 million in emergency relief to the Montana Department of Transportation for the “repair or reconstruction” of flood-damaged roads and bridges.  Tester added that the State of Montana can also use the resources to better protect communities from flood hazards.

“With help from emergency responders and generous Montanans who volunteered their time and money, Montana communities did their part in recovering from this year’s unprecedented flooding,” Tester said.  “It’s my role to see that Montana receives the assistance it deserves to keep our highways safe and open for business.”

Tester actively sought support for Montana communities in the wake of the extreme flooding.  In June, Tester secured assistance to repair Montana’s public water-related infrastructure and aid for Indian Country.  His staff also held 17 flood outreach meetings across the state in early July.

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced $2,564,893 for Montana.

Tester’s July 1 letter to LaHood is available online HERE.

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