3/3/2016
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Federal authorities release $500,000 in emergency funds for Idaho 14 rockslide in Idaho County
LEWISTON - The Idaho Transportation Department will receive $500,000 in emergency funds from the Federal Highway Administration to help repair extensive damage caused by a massive landslide Feb. 18 that closed Idaho 14 approximately 10 miles west of Elk City in Idaho County.
The closure blocked the only main route for several communities in the area.
The release of funds was approved Monday (Feb. 29), just days after Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter declared the county a disaster area and ITD completed the request for aid.
A temporary detour route using an old U.S. forest-service road is operating several days per week for essential traffic, and some cleanup of slide material is already underway.
The state will receive $500,000 in federal “quick release” funds so repair work can begin as damage assessments continue.
These Quick Release funds are extremely important to address costs associated with early disaster responses,” said Mel Coulter, ITD’s Emergency Program supervisor. “The disaster declaration by Gov. Otter was the key factor in allowing us to apply for and receive the special FHWA funds.”
The FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.
“Emergency Relief funding will help Idaho address the needed repairs and restore travel for these communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “We know residents want to regain their mobility as soon as possible.”