The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has released $5 million to help Texas and Louisiana clean up debris and fix roads, bridges and Galveston's airport in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

The emergency aid, announced Sept. 17, includes $2 million from the Federal Highway Administration for Texas and $2 million for Louisiana as well as $1 million in federal Airport Improvement Program aid for repairs and structural and engineering assessments at Galveston Scholes Airport.

DOT Secretary Mary E. Peters said the money represents "a down payment on our commitment to the people of this region." She said that Texas and Louisiana would be eligible for more FHWA emergency aid after they finish assessing road and bridge damage.