(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- North Carolina will receive over $23 million to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by hurricane irene.  The funds will come from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Monday that nearly $1.6 billion is going to states and territories across the nation to help cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural disasters.

“Communities from coast to coast are still recovering from disasters that have affected the roads they use, their homes and businesses,” said Secretary LaHood. “The Obama Administration stands ready to provide emergency relief and reimburse these communities for the work that has been done to restore their critical transportation needs.”

FHWA will provide a total of $1.58 billion to 30 states, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and federal land management agencies to reimburse them for repairs to roads and bridges caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes and other natural and catastrophic disasters. The total that North Carolina will receive amounts to $23,017,271.