Public Works / Roads & Bridges 
 
Downed power lines, bridges out of service, washed out roads and unsafe drinking water were just some of the hurdles that the Alabamas various public works departments faced.  
 
Hurricane Katrina caused severe power outages and damage to water and sewer systems hitting the coastal counties of Alabama extremely hard, and affecting residents throughout the State of Alabama. Over 40 public works facilities were damaged affecting residents statewide. 
 
Salty floodwaters did significant damage to electrical systems, pump stations and sewer treatment facilities.  In addition, over 1250 miles of state, county and city roads were damaged or impassable. 
 
Within a weeks time, power was restored to residents. The miles and miles of damaged roads are passable once again. To date, FEMA has obligated (paid to the state) approximately $14.7 million for repair of this infrastructure. Alabama has disbursed approximately $14.2 million to its applicants for completed projects.