DOT 41-05
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel.: (202) 366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $740 Million In Emergency Relief Funds For 34 States

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced more than $740 million in emergency relief funds for 34 states and U.S. territories that suffered highway and bridge damage from flooding, earthquakes, other natural disasters or emergency situations.

“These funds represent the federal government’s commitment to help communities across the nation rebuild after a devastating crisis,” said Secretary Mineta.

The funds announced today will reimburse states for costs associated with 90 emergency situations, such as highways washed out from flooding or mudslides and bridges damaged by earthquakes or barge accidents.

“As a former governor, President Bush knows how important it is for states to receive the assistance that’s available from Washington when communities are damaged,” said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters.

“States, local communities and the national economy depend on our transportation network,” said Peters. “This emergency relief funding is crucial to helping states get highways and bridges back in operation as soon as possible after a disaster occurs.”

The full funding amount, $740,235,086, is provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s emergency relief program. The program is available to reimburse states for certain costs that result from a wide range of natural disasters and emergency situations.

The Bush Administration requested that Congress provide the funds to eliminate a backlog of eligible emergency relief incidents around the country.  The Bush Administration also asked Congress for an additional $1.2 billion in emergency relief funds to pay for highway and bridge damage caused last year from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Gaston, Ivan and Jeanne. The funding will be provided to states later this year.