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ETA News Release: [02/10/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grant Will Aid Dislocated Louisiana Workers

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces up to $3 Million to Supplement Re-employment Programs in Area Devastated by Severe Weather

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $3 million that will aid workers laid off as a result of Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili, which caused widespread damage throughout Central and Southern Louisiana. $1.5 million will be available immediately. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.

“The workers of Louisiana have persevered in the face of tragedy, and the President and I are committed to getting them the assistance they need,” Chao said. “I hope these funds will be deployed right away to help Central and Southern Louisiana rebuild and get these workers back to work.”

The grant project delivers critical help to unemployed Louisiana citizens, underscoring one of the main goals of the President’s economic agenda. Operated by the state’s Department of Labor, the National Emergency Grant will provide temporary disaster jobs in 33 parishes to help with the clean up as a result of the severe weather, as well as provide transition assistance for workers who lost their jobs as a result of the tragedy.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao. “The President and I believe temporary assistance for Louisiana’s displaced workers will help the local economy recover more quickly.”

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

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