This funds will reimburse states and communities for highway and bridge repairs, debris removal, detours and other emergency measures needed to restore transportation in the aftermath of the storms.
Massachusetts has been awarded $44.7 million to finance repairs for weather-battered roads and bridges, with $1.3 million earmarked for Springfield.
The federal windfall, announced Monday by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, is part of a $1.58 billion bad weather bailout to 30 states, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The largest amount will go to Vermont, which receives $125.6 million to defray costs from Hurricane Irene. Another $51 million will go to Connecticut for the August hurricane and the freak October blizzard, also known as Storm Alfred.
Massachusetts’ share includes $40.7 million for Hurricane Irene and $4 million for the June 1 tornadoes that ripped through western and central Massachusetts.
“Communities from coast to coast are still recovering from disasters that have affected the roads they use, their homes and businesses,” LaHood said.
“The Obama Administration stands ready to provide emergency relief and reimburse these communities for the work that has been done to restore their critical transportation needs.”
This funds will reimburse states and communities for highway and bridge repairs, debris removal, detours and other emergency measures needed to restore transportation in the aftermath of the storms.
Springfield will receive $1.3 million to cover tornado-related sidewalk repairs and debris removal, said Thomas T. Walsh, an aide to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
Nearly 160,000 cubic yards of tree debris was collected after the tornado, according to Walsh, who said another 500,000 cubic yards had to be cleaned up after the October blizzard,
“Anytime money is coming to the city is always good news,” said Walsh, who credited U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield with helping to secure the funds.
A state Department of Transportation spokeswoman said the agency expects to release a breakdown of which communities will receive funding and how much later this week.
A partial list obtained by The Republican shows that nearly $3 million was earmarked for hurricane damage in towns in Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties.
The recipients included Colrain, which won $504,000 for repairs to Adamsville Road; Charlemont, $465,000 for North River Road and South River Road and $94,000 for Route 8A.
Also, Buckland, $185,000 for Conway Street and Charlemont Road and Ashfield, $29,000 for Rte. 116 and two other roads.
Neal said the widespread damage underscores the magnitude of the weather outbreaks that plagued the region last year.
“The devastating tornadoes in June, and the severe weather brought on by Hurricane Irene, were two of the worst natural disasters to ever occur in Western Massachusetts,” Neal said.
“As the region continues to recover, it is critically important for the federal government to continue to reimburse local communities for damage expenses,” he added.