President Trump calls GA Gov Nathan Deal to offer help with bridge collapse

In the worst Atlanta collapse since the Falcons blew it to the Patriots in the Superbowl, the collapse of the elevated section of I-85 has had a serious impact upon Atlanta and Interstate 85 travel. The fire underneath the Interstate led to the collapse of one section and serious damage to other sections. President Trump picked up the phone and called Governor Deal to offer $10 Million in Federal assistance. It will be months before I-85 is opened in either direction. About 350 feet of the freeway will have to be replaced in each direction. This is a major artery in the Atlanta commute and is located just to the North East of Downtown Atlanta.

Here is the original Fox News report on the collapse of the I85 bridge.

As seen first and reported by My AJC:

President Donald Trump called Gov. Nathan Deal on Friday to approve federal disaster assistance for the section of I-85 that collapsed after a fire.

The federal government earlier Friday approved plans to send $10 million in emergency relief dollars to the state of Georgia to assist with cleanup and repair of the highway.

The funding, which is being administered by the Federal Highway Administration, aims to fund the most pressing repairs to the bridge and other roadways over the next few weeks and months.

It is at least the second time since Trump’s election that he has called Deal to offer help with a disaster. Shortly after he was inaugurated in January, the Republican called Deal to offer condolences about the deadly storms that have swept through Georgia.

Deal chief of staff Chris Riley said the president offered his “full support” to the state in releasing the $10 million.

Thank you @realDonaldTrump for calling @GovernorDeal today to approve immediate federal assistance regarding the I-85 disaster. #gapoll

— Chris Riley (@ChrisRiley__) March 31, 2017