Department of Transportation Announces Funds to Repair Damaged Roads in Seven States

According to the United States Department of Transportation website, Secretary Mary E.Peters has announced that emergency funds of $128 million will be used to repair roads in seven states.

Here are the areas that will be receiving the funds that will repair damaged roads due to uneventful events. California will receive $24,200,000, to repair the collapsing of I-580 Interchange. Illinois will receive $2,943,100, for damages that occurred from a truck fire on I-74. Iowa will receive $4,122,774 for roads that were damaged by storms and flooding. Massachusetts will receive $9,609,200 for roads that were damaged during flood waters. Mississippi will receive $20,000,000 for roads that were damaged during heavy rains and floods. New Mexico will receive $4,025,752 for roads that were damaged in floods. Washington will receive $3,892,500 for roads that were damaged during the Nisqually earthquake.

This program is part of an emergency relief fund that totals $871 million, that was signed into law by President Bush in September 2005, that will help supplement the Federal Highway Administration emergency relief program. With the current release of funds and an additional $675 million that was provided earlier this year, the total provided is more than $803 million. The balance that is left will be available if requested.

Secretary Peters stated that "by rebuilding crucial roads and highways, these funds will help people to get back on the road and back to the relief of normal, day to day life."

The Department of Transportation was established on October 15, 1966 by an act of Congress. The Department of Transportation's first day of operation was on April 1, 1967. The mission as stated on The Department of Transportation website is Serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.