U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta announced $56.3 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) discretionary funds for infrastructure projects in 43 states and Puerto Rico.
"President Bush and I recognize the importance of investing in our nation's infrastructure to help ensure America's continued growth and prosperity," Mineta said. "The projects we are funding will strengthen our transportation system, create jobs across the country and boost our nation's economy."
Funds will be made available to states for projects in the following six categories:
* Seismic retrofit of bridges;
* Innovative bridge research and construction;
* Historic covered bridge preservation;
* Construction of highways on public lands such as national parks;
* Ferry boats and terminals to facilitate movement of people and goods across inland and coastal waterways; and
* Value pricing projects and research.
The FHWA allocated $23.5 million for seismic retrofit work; $17.2 million for innovative bridge research and construction; $2.8 million for the historic covered bridge preservation; $939,649 for public lands; $2.94 million for ferry boats and terminals; and $8.8 million for value pricing projects and research.
"These funds will enable important transportation projects to move forward," FHWA Administrator Mary Peters said. "They will strengthen our transportation system by improving safety and mobility, enhance environmental protection and promote economic growth."
