U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood announces close to $1.6 billion in funding for repairs to damaged roads and bridges

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced nearly $1.6 billion to states and territories across the nation to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural disasters.
North Carolina will receive about $23 million for damage incurred by Hurricane Irene in August 2011.
“Communities from coast to coast are still recovering from disasters that have affected the roads they use, their homes and businesses,” said Secretary LaHood. “The Obama Administration stands ready to provide emergency relief and reimburse these communities for the work that has been done to restore their critical transportation needs.”
Funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program was provided by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. FHWA will provide a total of $1.58 billion to 30 states, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and federal land management agencies to reimburse them for repairs to roads and bridges caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes and other natural and catastrophic disasters.
“States and communities can rely on the federal government during these critical times,” said FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez. “When disaster strikes, the Department will do all it can to provide help to the affected areas.”
This money will reimburse states for fixing or replacing highways, bridges and other roadway structures. Costs associated with detours, debris removal and other immediate measures necessary to restore traffic flow in impacted areas are also eligible for reimbursement.