News Release

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ETA News Release: [09/17/2003]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Nearly $1 Million in Aid to Texas Counties Devastated by Hurricane Claudette

Labor Department Grant Will Aid Dislocated Workers

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $993,600 to help workers affected by the devastation caused when Hurricane Claudette hit Texas on July 15. The grant will create approximately 116 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts in Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson and Victoria Counties. Of the total, $331,200 will be awarded immediately.

“These Texas workers have persevered in the face of tragedy and the President and I are committed to getting them the assistance they need. This National Emergency Grant of nearly $1 million is to help those who have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Claudette,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “I hope these funds will be deployed immediately to help these Texas counties rebuild and get these workers back to work. Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration.”

The temporary jobs created by the grant will allow workers to help renovate and reconstruct destroyed structures, public facilities and lands located within the disaster areas. Operated by the Texas Workforce Commission, the grant will also provide participants with supportive services such as transportation, work-related equipment, emergency medical assistance and child care.

For more information about the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs, visit www.dol.gov.

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