News Release

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OPA News Release: [11/04/2003]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $1 Million Grant for Hurricane Isabel Recovery in D.C.

Grant Will Be Used to Create Temporary Jobs for Restoration

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant totaling $1 million to create approximately 77 temporary jobs to assist in continued clean up and recovery efforts following damage caused by Hurricane Isabel. Chao made the announcement at a news conference with Washington Mayor Anthony A. Williams.

“The President and I want to do everything we can to help the people of our nation’s capital recover from the devastation of Hurricane Isabel as quickly as possible,” Chao said. “This $1 million grant will create jobs for unemployed workers who will help in restoration for the people, businesses and communities of Washington, D.C.”

Individuals eligible to participate in the disaster-related, temporary job-creation program include those who have been dislocated from their jobs as a result of the disaster, the long-term unemployed and other eligible dislocated workers. Workers hired with funds from this grant will help repair the District’s storm sewer system, roadways, public facilities, parks and recreational facilities that suffered damage as a result of Isabel.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary’s discretionary fund. In order to qualify for a disaster-related National Emergency Grant, an area must be declared eligible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Workers who want to learn more about the jobs created by this grant can contact their local One-Stop Career Center. For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs, please go to www.dol.gov.

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