States are urging Congress and the White House to act fast to change a law that may soon deprive them of nearly $9 billion in federal highway funds, the equivalent of roughly one-third of the amount in the economic-stimulus package, the Wall Street Journal reports.

A fix would require congressional action by Oct. 1, the start of the 2010 fiscal year. Sen. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, is working on legislation that would restore the road funds. The prospects for quick passage are unclear.

The $9 billion in question has accrued over several years as states were required to set aside a small portion of their annual funding, a tactic Congress sometimes uses to create budgetary flexibility. But many states have been counting on the funds, and some have already been channeling the money into projects that may now have to be canceled or curtailed.

If the money isn’t restored, transportation officials say states may have to close down construction projects under way or in the works. Colorado would lose more than $114 million.

Read the entire article at the Wall Street Journal.