U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on June 7 announced an initial $1.5 million in quick release emergency funds are immediately available to Alabama to pay for emergency repairs to highways.

“The Obama administration is committed to helping Alabama recover from the terrible storms that swept this state,” said LaHood. “This $1.5 million, which is a part of the administration’s all-hands-on-deck response to this tragedy, will help the state restore its roads and bridges.”

Quick release emergency funds provided by the Federal Highway Administration will reimburse the state for early repairs made following the storms, including debris removal, sign replacement and traffic signal repairs. Alabama continues to clean up and perform repairs as damage assessments continue. It is anticipated that the cost of repairs will exceed $10 million.