Some help is on the way for South Carolina roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Matthew as Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the immediate availability of $1 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief funds.

“Hurricane Matthew caused significant damage to South Carolina’s roadways and bridges, creating serious challenges for the local residents and taking a toll on the economy,” says Foxx in a statement. “We’re doing everything we can to support the state and local response to this disaster, and are working to restore emergency access and begin the most critical repairs.”

The funds will be used primarily to "restore emergency access and begin the most critical repairs.” FHWA Administrator Gregory Nadeau says in a statement, “The funding will help the state start repairs immediately while representing the first installment of federal resources until all the damage assessments are made.”

The FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

Matthew struck South Carolina in early October with hurricane and tropical storm-force winds, causing heavy flooding along the coast and even further inland.

President Barack Obama declared a disaster for 13 South Carolina counties following the storm.