Reps. Shuler and Roe Seek Federal Funds for I-40 Repair

Congressmen Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) and Phil Roe (R-TN) organized every member of the North Carolina and Tennessee Congressional delegations to advocate for a speedy repair of Interstate 40 after the devastating rock slide last weekend.   Reps. Shuler and Roe wrote the Federal Highway Administrator today requesting federal emergency funds to clean-up and repair the main transportation artery between North Carolina and Tennessee.
Interstate 40 serves as a vital transportation and commerce thoroughfare for the U.S., particularly the states of North Carolina and Tennessee.  Each day, about 25,000 vehicles travel the section of I-40 which has been closed due to the rock slide.  Approximately 10,000 tractor trailers traverse the road daily to carry goods throughout the region.
Because the portion of I-40 impacted by the landslide is so important to the states they represent, Reps. Shuler and Roe wrote Victor Mendez, Federal Highway Administrator, for assistance.  Specifically, they asked for funds from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program for the cost of clean-up and repairs.   Every member of the North Carolina and Tennessee Congressional delegations support the effort and have added their names as signatories to the letter.
“Thousands of families are currently isolated from emergency services, and the detour around the I-40 closure can add an hour and a half to a trip,” said Rep. Shuler, D-N.C.  “We have to get this critical route reopened as quickly as possible.”
“The impact of this rock slide is being felt across East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.  We want to see Interstate 40 safely reopen as soon as possible,” said Rep. Roe, R-TN. “I am working with my colleagues from Tennessee and North Carolina to secure federal assistance to keep the repair process moving.”
On Wednesday, Gov. Bev Perdue declared that the rock slide on I-40 at mile marker 3 was a disaster, which is the first step in seeking federal emergency funds.  Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program funds were established to address damages directly caused by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tidal waves, earthquakes, tornados, storms, and landslides.  The letter from Roe and Shuler indicated that the major rock slide on I-40 in North Carolina fits well within the eligibility requirements to qualify for the funds.
“This portion of I-40 is essential to the people and the local economy of Western North Carolina, and I hope the Federal Highway Administration will act as quickly as possible to help in the clean-up and repair,” Congressman Shuler said.