A state emergency declaration means real money for roadway repairs and cleanups in Mercer County, said PennDOT officials.

PennDOT estimates storm-related damage to roads and bridges in the county total $2.8 million. Of that, about $1.8 million would be eligible for federal funds should President Bush declare the county a federal disaster area.

Eligible for federal funds are interstates, national highway systems and primary highways; roads with lower traffic volumes are not. Also, emergency federal and state funds are earmarked for particular sites, such as a culvert or road, which sustained $5,000 or more in damage.

Although the state declaration will provide tremendous relief for PennDOT and a federal declaration would mean even more, it doesn't mean a windfall for the agency, said Jerry Brosius, PennDOT's assistant district executive for maintenance.