U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta Tuesday approved $80 million in emergency relief funds for 18 states and U.S. territories to repair roads and bridges damaged by recent flooding, storms or other catastrophic events.

"These funds help residents rebuild their communities and resume their lives after tragic events knock out roads and bridges,” said Secretary Mineta.
The Department’s Federal Highway Administration will reimburse states for costs associated with reconstructing or replacing damaged highways and bridges, establishing detours, removing debris, and replacing signs, lighting and guardrails. Much of the $80 million is directed toward highways washed out by heavy rains and flooding.
"Restoring damaged roads helps communities return to normal after an emergency,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator J. Richard Capka. “The emergency relief funds are vital to getting people and goods moving again as quickly as possible.”