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ETA News Release: [06/30/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-917-KAN

U.S. Department of Labor sends Iowa balance of $17 million National Emergency Grant for flood and tornado recovery

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that the remaining $11,127,000 of a $17 million National Emergency Grant is being provided to Iowa to assist in the ongoing flood and tornado recovery efforts underway.

"Iowans will be working hard in the months ahead to repair the damage caused by these natural disasters and the department will continue to do everything we can to help," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Today's announcement funds the balance of the $17,127,000 National Emergency Grant made to Iowa on June 18. Since June 28, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared an additional 10 Iowa counties as eligible for its Public Assistance Program. As the full scope of damage to Iowa's cities, businesses and farms becomes better understood in the coming months, the department will continue working with the state to provide funding and other tools needed to address recovery needs.

The grant, awarded to the Iowa Workforce Development agency, will provide funding to create temporary jobs to assist in cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged and destroyed public structures, facilities and lands within the affected communities. Funds also will be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance for disaster victims, including work on the homes of individuals who are eligible for the federally funded weatherization program.

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.