The U.S. Department of Transportation will pay nearly $62 million for seven states to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters and catastrophic events.

Kentucky will receive $9 million to restore service following the closing of the Eggners Ferry Bridge after a cargo vessel struck it in January.

Wyoming will receive $20.8 million for repairs following unprecedented snow melt and rain that caused flooding in more than a dozen counties.

Alaska will receive $11.9 million to help repair damage as a result of record flooding.

Alabama will receive $1.8 million for repairs to a sinkhole on I-65.

Maine will get $46,000 for its May 2006 rainfall and flooding.

South Carolina will get $3.4 million for bridge damage on SC Route 150.

Washington will receive $5.8 million for its October 2009 landslide on SR 410 and $8.9 million for storms in December 2010.

"Roads and bridges act as vital links in local communities who feel their loss after natural disasters," says Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "The department is committed to repaying states for all the work that was necessary immediately following these events to help people get back to normal faster."

FHWA's Emergency Relief program reimburses states for the repair and reconstruction of federal-aid highways and bridges that suffer serious damage as a result of natural disaster or catastrophic event. The funding helps pay for expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions.