News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

ETA News Release: [08/31/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-1653-ATL

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $4 Million to Aid Alabama’s Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $4 million, with an initial release of $1.3 million, to provide approximately 350 temporary jobs to dislocated workers to help in recovery and clean-up efforts as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

“Alabamans affected by Hurricane Katrina need immediate assistance in clean-up and recovery efforts,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This grant will also provide temporary jobs as workers are hired to provide food, clothing, shelter and humanitarian assistance for victims.”

On August 28, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, Sumter, and Washington counties eligible for FEMA's public assistance program.

The Labor Department grant, given to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, will be used for demolition, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands in coordination with other agencies providing services to affected communities. Grant funds will also be used to perform work on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals who are eligible for the federally funded weatherization program, with priority given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

“Hurricane Katrina has left many people homeless and in need of rapid assistance,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This funding is an initial step in Department of Labor efforts to supply resources and workers to help those struck by this disaster.”

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.