Key Points
For more detailed discussion on roads , CLICK HERE to view the FEMA EMI course summary on roads
Detailed Discussion
Category C: Roads and Bridges (1 of 2)
Roads may be paved, gravel, or dirt. Road components include, but may not be limited to:
- Surfaces
- Bases
- Shoulders
- Ditches
- Drainage structures, such as culverts
- Low water crossings
- Associated facilities, such as lighting, sidewalks, guardrails, and signs
Bridge components include, but may not be limited to:
- Decking
- Guardrails
- Girders
- Pavement
- Abutments
- Piers
- Slope protection
- Approaches
- Associated facilities, such as lighting, sidewalks, and signs
See Appendix K of the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide for a summary of eligibility by facility type.
Category C: Roads and Bridges (2 of 2)
Permanent Work to restore roads and bridges is eligible unless restoration is under the specific authority of another Federal Agency such as Federal Highway Administration. Work to repair scour or erosion damage to a channel or stream bank is eligible if the repair is necessary to restore the structural integrity. Earthwork in a channel or stream embankment that is not related to restoring the structural integrity of an eligible facility is not eligible.
For Tribal Governments specifically, although Bureau of Indian Affairs or Federal Highway Administration may have authority to provide permanent restoration of public Tribal roads, such roads may be eligible for Public Assistance funding provided the Tribal Government does not receive funding from Bureau of Indian Affairs or Federal Highway Administration for the same work.
Private roads, including homeowners' association roads, are not eligible. However, roads owned by a Tribal Government may be eligible even if they are not open to the general public.
Category C: Maintenance
The incident may cause minor damage to roads that result in damage similar to that which may occur over time from other causes, such as the age of the road, traffic flow, and frequent rain. Therefore, distinguishing between pre-existing damage and damage caused by the incident is often difficult. For the repair of this type of damage to be eligible, the Applicant must demonstrate that the damage was directly caused by the incident.
When evaluating eligibility of reported road damage, in addition to evaluating how the incident caused the damage, FEMA reviews maintenance records or documentation establishing that the Applicant has a routine maintenance program. In the absence of maintenance records, FEMA reviews material purchase invoices and activity logs and inspects other sections of the Applicant’s road system to confirm the performance of normal maintenance activities.
Normal maintenance is not eligible. Work to repair potholes or fatigue cracking is generally ineligible as this type of damage is rarely caused directly by one incident.