WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is immediately making available $5 million in emergency relief funds to help Colorado cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by the ongoing floods.

“Disasters like this make it very clear how important transportation is in everyday life,” said Secretary Foxx. “These federal funds represent a down payment on our commitment to the people of Colorado.”

Major flooding across Colorado has caused massive evacuations, and rising floodwaters cut off towns throughout the state. Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, was among the hardest hit by the devastating waters. Numerous highways and bridges in Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Denver, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Jefferson Counties in eastern Colorado are reported as washed out or closed, including sections of Highways 7 and 287 that have collapsed and sections of I-25 and I-70 that are currently closed.

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said, “We will continue to support the people of Colorado until all roads and bridges damaged from flooding are repaired.”

Funds from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program will reimburse the Colorado Department of Transportation for emergency work done in the immediate aftermath of the flooding. FHWA will provide additional funds in the future as permanent repairs are identified and cost estimates are completed. FHWA’s emergency relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

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