Press Releases

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that Washington state will be the recipient of $35 million in federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) program. The funding may be awarded to repair or reconstruct Federal-aid highways and roads that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene issued the following statement:

“I have driven across State Route 530 many times in recent months and know firsthand how important these funds are to improving the safety of the road and ensuring tourism and business continues to grow in the Stillaguamish Valley,” said DelBene. “I will continue to make sure that the affected communities have the support and the resources they need as their recovery continues.”

In June, Congresswoman DelBene introduced a resolution honoring and remembering those affected by the landslide. The resolution offers condolences to the victims, thanks the first responders, commends the resiliency of the affected communities, and commits to providing the necessary resources to the affected communities.

Under the FHA’s ER program, funds are awarded to a State after an emergency declaration is issued and the State files a request for ER for the cost of damages to its eligible highways.  Eligible repair work includes emergency repairs needed to restore essential traffic, minimize the extent of damage, or protect the remaining facilities as well as permanent repairs necessary to restore the highway to its pre-disaster condition. More information regarding the funding is available here.