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ETA News Release: [07/11/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 05-1248-CHI

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $11.4 Million Grant to Aid in Recovery from Severe Flooding in Ohio

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant (NEG) of $11.4 million to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The grant will create approximately 574 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in clean-up and recovery efforts as a result of severe flooding from December 2004 through February 2005.

“Winter flooding in Ohio damaged homes, communities and livelihoods,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “This $11.4 million grant will provide dislocated workers with opportunities to earn wages while helping communities recover from the flooding.”

Between February 15, 2005 and March 22, 2005, 63 counties in Ohio were declared eligible for Public Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a result of the devastation caused by flooding.

The Ohio grant will fund projects to include the demolition, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands. The funds may also be used to perform work on the homes of disadvantaged individuals who are eligible for the federally funded weatherization program. Priority will be given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Dislocated workers deemed eligible to apply for the temporary jobs the grant funds include workers dislocated as a result of severe winter storms and the flooding that occurred between February 15 and March 22, other dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed.

Counties targeted by the state for assistance under the grant include Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Coshocton, Crawford, Harrison, Hocking, Jefferson, Licking, Logan, Meig, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Richland, Scioto and Washington.

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 the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.