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Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
10/26/05-Louisiana’s transportation director said this week the state’s entire road-building program would be in jeopardy unless the federal government quickly releases $100 million for emergency hurricane spending.
Louisiana Transportation Secretary Johnny Bradberry told a legislative panel Oct. 25 the state is doing post-storm repairs but has not been reimbursed by the federal government.
Without that aid, Bradberry told lawmakers that officials would have to take money out of the state trust fund. The fund finances basic road and bridgework.
Bradberry did not indicate which highway projects might be affected. He said he would report back to the panel with details if the state must make changes, The Baton Rouge Advocate reported.
The transportation secretary said the federal government has sent the state only $5 million for its initial $100 million in emergency spending requests for damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
In all, Louisiana is expected to receive $1.5 billion in emergency assistance, the newspaper reported. It covers repairs in 21 parishes.
Top state officials appeared before the Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works. Several legislative panels are holding hearings on hurricane damage prior to a special session scheduled start Nov. 6.
