Detailed Discussion
Bridges are eligible for repair or replacement under the Public Assistance Program, unless they are on a Federal-Aid Road (see Federal-Aid Roads). Eligible work includes repairs to decking, guardrails, girders, pavement, abutments, piers, slope protection, and approaches. Only repairs of disaster- related damage are eligible. In some cases, FEMA may use pre-disaster bridge inspection reports to determine if damage to a bridge was present before the disaster.
Work to repair scour or erosion damage to the channel and stream banks is eligible if the repair is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. Earthwork that is not related to the structural integrity of the bridge is not eligible (see Landslides).
Work to remove debris, such as fallen trees, from the channel at the bridge is eligible if the debris could cause further damage to the structure or if the blockage could cause flood waters to inundate nearby homes, businesses, or other facilities (see Debris Removal).
When replacement of a damaged bridge is warranted, eligible work may include upgrades necessary to meet current standards for road and bridge construction, as defined by the State or local highway department (see Codes and Standards). Typical standards affect lane width, loading design, construction materials, and hydraulic capacity. If code requires, and if the applicant has consistently implemented that code, FEMA will permit changes in the bridge design from one lane to two lanes to include access modification for a short distance (i.e., within area of damage). This does not apply to other expansions of capacity (e.g., from two lanes to four lanes).
Permanent restoration of a bridge that falls under the authority of the Federal Highway Administration is not eligible for public assistance (see Federal-Aid Roads).
Bridges are eligible for repair or replacement under the Public Assistance Program, unless they are on a Federal-Aid Road (see Federal-Aid Roads). Eligible work includes repairs to decking, guardrails, girders, pavement, abutments, piers, slope protection, and approaches. Only repairs of disaster- related damage are eligible. In some cases, FEMA may use pre-disaster bridge inspection reports to determine if damage to a bridge was present before the disaster.
Work to repair scour or erosion damage to the channel and stream banks is eligible if the repair is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. Earthwork that is not related to the structural integrity of the bridge is not eligible (see Landslides).
Work to remove debris, such as fallen trees, from the channel at the bridge is eligible if the debris could cause further damage to the structure or if the blockage could cause flood waters to inundate nearby homes, businesses, or other facilities (see Debris Removal).
When replacement of a damaged bridge is warranted, eligible work may include upgrades necessary to meet current standards for road and bridge construction, as defined by the State or local highway department (see Codes and Standards). Typical standards affect lane width, loading design, construction materials, and hydraulic capacity. If code requires, and if the applicant has consistently implemented that code, FEMA will permit changes in the bridge design from one lane to two lanes to include access modification for a short distance (i.e., within area of damage). This does not apply to other expansions of capacity (e.g., from two lanes to four lanes).
Permanent restoration of a bridge that falls under the authority of the Federal Highway Administration is not eligible for public assistance (see Federal-Aid Roads).
References: Section 102(9) of the Stafford Act
44 CFR §206.221(h) and §206.226(a) and (d)
Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 25, 79-82