Donald Trump calls Nathan Deal to offer help with bridge collapse

Gov. Nathan Deal and Donald Trump

Credit: Greg Bluestein

Credit: Greg Bluestein

Gov. Nathan Deal and Donald Trump

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.