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ETA News Release: [05/05/2006]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 06-767-SAN

U.S. Secretary of Labor Announces $5.5 Million Grant to Aid in Recovery From Severe Flooding in Northern California

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a grant of $5.5 million to create 1,007 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in clean-up and recovery efforts in the aftermath of severe flooding in 18 California counties.

"Northern California has been severely impacted by flood damage that has left many areas in need of clean up and repair," said Secretary Chao. "This $5.5 million emergency grant will put people who have lost their jobs because of flooding, back to work to help their communities recover and rebuild."

On Feb. 3, 29 counties in Northern California were declared eligible for public assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a result of devastation caused by storms. The state has targeted 18 counties for assistance, and may add more counties at a later date.

The grant, awarded to the California Employment Development Department, will be used to create temporary jobs on projects that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Projects may include the demolition, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands. The funds also may 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.

Workers eligible to apply for the temporary jobs funded through this grant include those dislocated as a result of the storms, other dislocated workers, and the long-term unemployed. Counties targeted by the state for assistance under the grant include Alpine, Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Napa, Plumas, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba.

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 http://www.doleta.gov/.