The Federal Highway Administration has released $3 million in emergency funds for Louisiana and $1 million to Mississippi to help the states clean up and repair roads damaged by Hurricane Gustav. In announcing the move on Sept. 5, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said that additional federal highway aid probably would be forthcoming after the states carry out damage assessments.

FHWA emergency-relief funds are drawn from the general fund, not the Highway Trust Fund, DOT notes.

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) welcomed the highway aid, and said, "While $3 million is a good start, I am working to secure the necessary funding to rebuild all destroyed transportation infrastructure in Louisiana."