COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Acting Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Kristin White, visited the Upstate alongside officials from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to tour damaged roads and bridges following Hurricane Helene.

“We are committed to supporting South Carolinians with the funding and resources needed for ongoing recovery,” said White. “FHWA’s initial $2 million in emergency relief funding is a down payment on a long-term investment to help rebuild critical roads and infrastructure to connect communities.”

According to a news release from SCDOT, more than 900 roads and bridges were closed due to storm-related damage and SCDOT has already worked to reopen 859 of those closures.

The department said it is expediting emergency repair plans to begin to repair and safely reopen the roads and bridges that remain closed.

"I am glad to see the support behind getting these roads and bridges in Oconee County reopened quickly," said Sen. Thomas Alexander. "I appreciate the coordination between state and local officials to prioritize emergency repairs and recovery.