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ETA News Release: [06/18/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-826-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $1.9 million to aid Arkansas’ recovery and cleanup from multiple weather-related disasters

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,914,413 grant to the state of Arkansas to create approximately 127 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts resulting from a recent series of storms, flooding and tornadoes.

“This $1.9 million grant will pay for workers to help with the storm and flooding cleanup in Arkansas,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “The grant will also help Arkansans who have basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.”

The grant, awarded to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, will fund temporary employment on the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged structures and public lands within affected communities.  Funds also will be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared multiple counties in Arkansas as eligible for its Public Assistance program.  The state has targeted the counties of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Izard, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Newton, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, Stone and Washington for assistance through this grant.

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, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.