Brasília - Yesterday president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed into law a Temporary Measure (Medida Provisória) releasing additional funds totalling US$454 million (R$1.3 billion) for the government.

Out of that amount, US$317,600 (R$910,000) will go to the Ministry of Agriculture where it is earmarked for the purchase of a crop dusting aircraft that will be used in Senegal to combat the locust plague in that country. The Ministry of Defense will get US$58,200 (R$166,800) for the transportation of the aircraft and its maintenance and supplies.

The Ministry of Sports will get US$8.7 million (R$25 million) to prepare for the 2007 Pan American games that will take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Nelson Motta
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/29/2004