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DOT Provides $5 Million to Puerto Rico for Flood-Damaged Roads

1 October 1998

DOT PROVIDES $5 MILLION TO
PUERTO RICO FOR FLOOD-DAMAGED ROADS

         First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, while touring the devastation
from Hurricane Georges in Puerto Rico, today announced that Puerto Rico
will receive an initial allocation of $5 million in emergency relief
funds to begin repairs on roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Georges.

        "President Clinton and I are deeply concerned about the
devastation that the people of Puerto Rico are facing because of
Hurricane Georges," Mrs. Clinton said.  "This initial amount for repairs
to roads and bridges will jump start the recovery process, and we are all
committed to help Puerto Rico in the days and weeks ahead rebound from
this disaster."

        The emergency relief funding is from the U.S. Transportation
Department's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and may be used to
repair damage to federal-aid roads and bridges.

        FHWA money is awarded after the President or Governor issues a
formal emergency proclamation and the state files a preliminary damage
assessment for its highways and bridges on the federal-aid system.  The
funds reimburse the state for emergency work that is already completed
and provides funding for other necessary repairs to correct major or
unusual damage to federal-aid highways.  Eligible repair work includes
reconstructing damaged bridges and pavement surfaces, establishing
detours, removing slides and debris, and replacing traffic signals, signs
and lighting.

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        Visit the DOT Public Affairs Web Site at:
                http://www.dot.gov/briefing.htm