The Department of Transportation (DOT) will Provide Colorado with $9.7 Million for I-70 Damage
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed $9.7 million to reimburse the state’s cleanup of the damage to Interstate 70 (I-70) through Glenwood Canyon caused by extreme mudslides last year. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) Program funds to help states repair roads and bridges damaged by severe storms, floods, wildfires and other events.
“Last summer’s disaster shows why we need more climate resilient infrastructure,” said Hickenlooper. “Glenwood Canyon supports economies across the Western Slope and the Front Range.”
“Over the last year, we’ve continued to work together to secure necessary resources to repair Glenwood Canyon, restore the Colorado River, and support the communities that rely on them. There’s more to do to protect this important corridor, and we won’t stop until the work is done,” said Bennet.
After Colorado Governor Jared Polis formally authorized the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to request emergency resources from the FHWA Emergency Relief program, Hickenlooper and Bennet led the Colorado Congressional Delegation in urging the Biden Administration to quickly approve the request. Four days later, the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration awarded the CDOT $11.6 million to begin repairs to I-70. FHWA emergency funds can be used to rebuild roads after natural disasters and improve resiliency against future disasters. In February, Hickenlooper and Bennet invited Secretary Buttigieg to visit Glenwood Canyon to see the recovery efforts first hand.
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