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ETA News Release: [10/31/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Jennifer Coxe
Phone Number: 202-693-5052 or 202-693-4676
Release Number: 07-1693-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces $10.5 million grant to assist hurricane-damaged Louisiana

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of $10,500,000 to assist approximately 3,500 dislocated workers and continue cleanup and recovery efforts in 11 Louisiana parishes affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This grant is in addition to the more than $63 million in previous National Emergency Grants that the department has awarded to Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August 2005.

"This $10.5 million grant will provide temporary jobs to 500 workers engaged in the continuing effort to help the region recover from hurricane devastation," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This grant also will give nearly 3,000 workers access to job training and other employment services so that they can build a brighter future for themselves and their families."

The grant, awarded to the Louisiana Department of Labor, will be used to provide temporary employment to approximately 500 workers involved in continuing hurricane-related cleanup efforts. Training and employment services will be provided to approximately 3,000 individuals, including those returning home to affected areas.

Parishes included in the grant are: Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and St. Tammany.

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