DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Federal transportation officials are sending $3 million in emergency funding to Minnesota to help repair flood-damaged roads in the northeast.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday the funding will be available immediately.

Heavy rain beginning in mid-June caused severe flooding in northeastern Minnesota. Several sections of Highways 2 and 210 were damaged.

The federal funds will be used to reimburse the state for repairs that were done to get traffic moving after the flooding. Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez says the funding represents a down payment on restoring transportation in northeastern Minnesota.

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