Outside of DOT, it's not often that Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari and I are in the same place at the same time. But because we understand how important federal support is in the wake of natural disasters, we both wanted to be in New York to announce emergency relief funds to help the state rebuild roads damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
We both understand that when disaster strikes, we owe it to our fellow Americans to lend a hand. And that's why DOT is providing $287 million for New York to rebuild roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters. That includes $250 million specifically designated for Sandy relief.
With US Senator Schumer (NY) and NYC Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Kahn
The Obama Administration is absolutely committed to helping hardworking families in New York and throughout the Northeast recover and rebuild from Sandy. And with this funding, we are delivering on our commitment.
And that commitment doesn't end today. We will continue to work with the region as it rebuilds. In keeping with the vision that President Obama laid out in his State of the Union address--we will "Fix It First" by focusing on the infrastructure projects that will create jobs and help businesses fastest.
The funds we announced today from our Federal Highway Administration are part of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 signed last month by President Obama. They will be used to reimburse New York State for expenses associated with storm damage like reconstructing or replacing damaged highways and bridges, establishing detours, removing debris, and replacing highway infrastructure devices such as lighting and guardrails.
Entrance to the Hugh Carey Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel in Lower Manhattan
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