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Feds commit $500,000 to fix Atlanta road
A half million dollars in U.S. Department of Transportation "Quick Release" emergency funds will be used to begin repairs of the Middle Fork Boise River Road to Atlanta.
The road, considered the only secure road during the winter to the small mountain community in Elmore County, was washed out in early August by flash floods. Other routes to the community, along Edna Creek from Idaho City and over James Creek Summitt from Featherville, often become impassable once snow falls in the mountains.
Heavy rainfall in late July and early August created significant flooding, mud and debris, washing out a one-half-mile section of the Middle Fork Road. Repairs will be administered and carried out under contract by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC), which represents the Atlanta Highway District and Elmore County.
In addition to the Quick Release funds, ITD has applied for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) resources to complete permanent repairs, which could begin next spring.
"These funds are critical to beginning emergency repairs on the road and ensuring winter access to Atlanta," said Mel Coulter, ITD's emergency program supervisor. "FHWA's commitment of Quick Release funds, as part of a complete emergency relief package, acknowledges how important the route is, not only to Atlanta residents but those who visit the area for recreation. Restoring the route will require a strong partnership of local, county, LHTAC, state and federal partners and the private sector."
"We will do everything we can to restore full access to this community," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Though additional payments may be made in the weeks and months ahead, the Department considers this a down payment on the work they need to get roads reopened."
"Residents in Atlanta risk being cut off from the rest of the state as a key route for winter travel remains closed," said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. "These funds will help expedite needed repairs so this community can travel freely again."
Funds from FHWA's Emergency Relief Program will reimburse the state for emergency work done in the immediate aftermath of the flooding. The agency will provide additional funds as permanent repairs are identified and cost estimates are completed. FHWA's Emergency Relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.
Meanwhile, the Elmore County Commissioners dipped into their PILT reserve funds and distributed $200,000 to the Atlanta and Mountain Home Highway Districts. Commissioner Bud Corbus explained that both districts have been overwhelmed by the work to simply repair damaged road sections or clear the roads due to the many slides this year -- most the result of the lack of ground cover from last year's fires that isn't available to hold back and absorb moisture from the August rains. As a result, basic maintenance has suffered and the additional funds will allow the districts to perform that work and "get back on track" with their budgets, he said.