WASHINGTON -- U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood on May 7 announced $20 million in funding for Oregon, Alabama and South Carolina to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events.

The money will reimburse states for fixing or replacing highways, bridges and other roadway structures. Costs associated with detours, debris removal and other immediate measures necessary to restore traffic flow in affected areas are also eligible for reimbursement.

Oregon, Alabama and South Carolina will share the $20 million. Oregon will receive $15 million for cleanup from flooding, landslides and erosion that occurred across the state as a result of severe storms in January 2012. Alabama will receive $3 million for the repair of the March 2010 sinkhole on I-65 in Morgan County. South Carolina will receive $2 million for repairing the Laurens Street Bridge in Aiken after heavy rains caused erosion and closed the bridge in April 2012.

The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) program reimburses states for the repair and reconstruction of highways and bridges that suffer serious damage as a result of natural disaster or catastrophic event. The funding helps pay for expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions.