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ETA News Release: [09/02/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-1670-ATL

U.S. Labor Department Announces $50 Million National Emergency Grant to Create Approximately 10,000 Temporary Jobs to Assist Mississippi’s Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $50 million to establish approximately 10,000 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to help in the recovery and clean-up efforts underway in Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  Approximately $16.6 million in grant funds will be released immediately.

“Many Mississippians are missing a paycheck because their place of employment has shut down or they can't earn a living because their business or livelihood has been devastated.  This $50 million National Emergency Grant will create approximately 10,000 temporary jobs so Mississippians can help in the cleanup and recovery of their communities and earn a paycheck too,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “Workers in these temporary jobs will be involved in the provision of food, shelter and other services to fellow Mississippians.” 

The Labor Department grant, given to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, will hire workers in temporary jobs providing food, clothing, shelter and humanitarian assistance for victims. The grant will also be used for demolition, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands. In addition, grant funds will be available for work on the homes of the economically disadvantaged who are eligible for the federally-funded weatherization program. 

“The damage caused by this storm has left thousands without homes and suitable shelter,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco.  “The Department of Labor will continue to work with the state of Mississippi to coordinate resources to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina.”

Through the grant, 52 Mississippi counties targeted for assistance will be served: Adams, Amite, Attala, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Itawamba, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lee, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion,  Monroe, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Warren, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, and Winston.

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.