WASHINGTON (CN) — The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $830 million in grants to strengthen surface transportation infrastructure against extreme weather events.
The money will support 80 projects in 37 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said extreme weather events have been worsened by climate change and the resulting floods, heat waves and wildfires are “one of the biggest threats” to quality of life, supply chains and transportation infrastructure.
“This is a country that can no longer politicize or ignore the very real threats that come from climate change,” Buttigieg told reporters on Tuesday.
The grants are for four different types of projects. Thirty-six proposals will receive $621 million to enhance drainage, relocate roadways, elevate bridges or incorporate upgrades to meet design standards.
Eight projects will receive $119 million to protect, strengthen or relocate coastal highway and non-rail infrastructure. Another 26 proposals will receive $45 million to plan or design resilience projects or for evacuation planning or preparation initiatives.
And 10 projects will receive $45 million to enhance evacuation routes.
“Every community in America knows the impacts of climate change and extreme weather,” said Shailen Bhatt, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. “This investment from the Biden-Harris administration will ensure our infrastructure is built to withstand more frequent and unpredictable extreme weather, which is vitally important for people and businesses that rely on roads and bridges being open to keep our economy moving.”
Ali Zaidi, President Joe Biden’s national climate adviser, said the grants leverage “both green and gray infrastructure to shore up resilience in our communities.”
“It’s not just investing in steel and concrete,” he said, “but it’s recognizing that recovering our ecosystems can help build resilience in our infrastructure.”
The biggest grant is going to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, which will receive $60 million to improve two sections of BIA Route 33 through the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in rural southwest South Dakota. The project will help the road better withstand flooding, snow and ice.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is receiving the second largest grant. The city will use the $56.4 million in federal funds to replace the 86-year-old structurally deficient Arc of Justice Bridge, which is a critical artery during extreme flooding.
The third largest grant is $40.5 million for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The money will address damage from Typhoon Merbok in 2002 and upgrade infrastructure in four communities in western Alaska.
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