Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads Disaster Assistance Manual

The Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads Program, or ERFO Program, was established to assist Federal agencies with the repair or reconstruction of Federal roads, which are found to have suffered serious damage by a natural disaster over a wide area or by a catastrophic failure (23CFR668.201). The purpose of this manual is to provide federal land management agencies with guidance and instructions to apply for federal assistance under the ERFO program. Federal, tribal, state, and local governments that have the authority to repair or reconstruct federal roads may apply for ERFO funds, but only the federal land management agencies (FLMA) can apply directly as an "Applicant." The other governmental entities must apply through an "Applicant." The intent of the ERFO program is to pay the unusually heavy expenses in the repair and reconstruction of Federal roads 23CFR668.205 (a). The ERFO program is not intended to cover all repair costs nor interim emergency repair costs that are necessary to repair or reconstruct Federal roads. Agencies have the responsibility to perform emergency repairs and fund the unexpected expenditures, shift project priorities and manage reduced traffic service levels that a natural disaster can present. Emergency relief work shall be given prompt attention and priority over non-emergency work.