U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces the Quick Release of $1 Million to Georgia to Repair Roads and Bridges

Topics:  Ray LaHood

U.S. Department of Transportation
September 28, 2009

DOT 153-09
Monday, September 28, 2009
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

WASHINGTON - The federal government is making $1 million available immediately in emergency relief funds for Georgia to pay for urgent repairs to roads and bridges damaged by floods, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.

“We are working with Georgia to restore its roads and get traffic moving again so people can return to their daily lives,” Secretary LaHood said.

The $1 million quick release will help Georgia address repairs that need immediate attention, to pay for debris removal and initiate repair contracts.

LaHood added that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was in constant communication with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to provide assistance and was immediately on the ground helping to assess the damage. FHWA will continue to work with GDOT to coordinate relief efforts and evaluate the extent of road damage caused by the floods.

FHWA also continues to work with all other states affected by the flooding and provide the necessary assistance.

The Federal Highway Administration's emergency relief program provides funds to states for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. The program typically works on a reimbursable basis.

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