FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Contact: Nancy Singer
(202) 366-0660
DOT 86-08

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters Announces $1 Million Quick Release to Iowa for Urgent Repair of Roads and Bridges Damaged by Floods

The federal government is making $1 million available immediately in emergency relief funds for Iowa to help pay for urgent repairs to roads and bridges damaged by floods, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced today.

"We're making this down payment so repairs can start immediately and communities can receive the assistance they need without further delay," Secretary Peters said. "The people of Iowa need to know that everything will be done to restore the state's damaged highways and bridges quickly."

"As Governor, I am committed to doing whatever I can to return life to normal for Iowans, and this funding will help us do just that," said Iowa Governor Chet Culver. "I want to thank the U.S. Dept. of Transportation for making this commitment to Iowa's transportation recovery efforts. Together, with the help and cooperation of everyone on the local, state and federal levels, I am confident that we will rebuild our state - even better and stronger than before."

Secretary Peters said the $1 million quick release was intended to help Iowa address repairs that need immediate attention to restore essential traffic in eastern portions of the state until a full assessment of the damage is completed.

The Secretary added that the Department would continue to work with officials from Iowa and other Midwestern states as they evaluate the extent of road damage caused by the floods. She said more resources will likely be made available based on those evaluations.

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.

"Transportation is critical to the rebuilding process after natural disaster strikes," FHWA Acting Administrator Jim Ray said.

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