Federal Highway Administration sending $7 million in relief funds
Apr 19, 2018, 2:50 PM
(ADOT photo)
PHOENIX — Two Arizona highways damaged by flooding last summer are receiving $7 million in federal relief funding to cover the costs of the repairs.
According to a release by the Arizona Department of Transportation, the funds cover the initial repair costs to both of the damaged highways and they provide funding for other highway projects.
The $7 million payout was awarded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which reimburses local jurisdictions for repair costs due to catastrophic events.
ADOT repaired eroded parts of State Route 88 near Apache Junction from a monsoon in July 2017, but the highway remained open through the repairs.
In the southeastern town of Mount Graham, areas of State Route 366 were damaged from the Frye Fire last June. Parts of the road were closed until September 2017 in fear of flash flooding concerns due to scarring.
ADOT is seeking an additional $4 million for permanent repairs to Route 366.
As a result of the flooding, Route 88 was added to a previously planned safety-improvement project. Route 366, also known as Swift Trail, is undergoing preliminary design work to address future flooding concerns.
Emergency declarations for both highways were issued by Gov. Doug Ducey.