WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $5.5 million grant, with an initial release of $3.5 million, to the state of Ohio to create approximately 221 additional temporary jobs for completing ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts since storms, flooding and mudslides hit the state during the 2004-2005 winter.

“Ohio is still recovering and cleaning up from these storms. We want to help create additional temporary jobs to assist in this effort,” said Secretary Chao. “This grant will allow Ohio to hire the workers necessary to get the job done before winter and at the same time offer dislocated workers a chance to earn some income and provide a needed service for their community.”

Between February and March 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 63 Ohio counties eligible for public assistance. On June 30, 2005, the state received a grant of $11,425,070 to create approximately 574 temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts. As of June 30, 2006, the state had created 710 temporary jobs, and cleanup efforts were continuing in affected areas.

In September, the U.S. Department of Labor concurred with the state that recovery work remains, including clearing debris along rivers and streams and removing brush and fallen trees to reduce the possibility of future flooding.

The grant announced today was awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The temporary jobs created through the grant will provide employment to workers dislocated as a result of the winter storms, other eligible dislocated workers, and the long-term unemployed.

Supportive services available to project participants may include child care, transportation assistance, safety equipment and work-related uniforms.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on this and other Department of Labor employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG/.