U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced that Mississippi will immediately receive $5 million in federal emergency relief funding as a down payment on the repair or replacement of damaged roads and bridges throughout the state.
Mineta made the announcement during a visit to Mississippi. Mineta said Mississippi will receive $5 million through the Federal Highway Administration’s emergency relief program to reimburse the state for repairs to US 90, I-10 and other federally funded roads and bridges in the state damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
“President Bush understands that US 90 is a vital economic lifeline for Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. The Administration will be a full partner and work hand-in-hand with Governor Barbour until this lifeline is strong and vibrant again,” Secretary Mineta said.
The emergency relief program provides funding for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters.
Last Wednesday, a $5.1 million contract was signed to repair the I-10 Bridge in Pascagoula so that it may open to normal two-lane traffic. Work began Saturday, September 10, and should be completed within 31 days.
On Thursday last week, three Mississippi firms -- Mallette Brothers Construction, Warren Paving and Huey Stockstill, Inc. -- were selected to build a temporary road to handle U.S. 90’s two-way traffic – one lane in each direction. Phase I of the two-phase project began Friday, September 9, and is to be completed within 90 days.
