News Release

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OPA News Release: [08/18/2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $50 Million in Funding to Aid Florida Workers Affected by Hurricane Charley, Tropical Storm Bonnie, Tours Devastated Areas

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $50 million—with an initial release of $16,500,000—to hire approximately 3,630 workers to help Florida recover from Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie. Secretary Chao is in Florida today surveying the impacted areas.

“This Administration is dedicated to helping Florida recover from these natural disasters,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This grant of up to $50 million will aid with disaster clean-up and provide temporary jobs for workers who can help restore and rebuild the communities in Florida that have been impacted by the storms.”

The grant was awarded to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation and will provide temporary employment to dislocated workers to assist in the cleanup and recovery efforts as a result of the damage created by Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie. In addition to temporary employment, assistance will include supportive services such as transportation, access to work-related equipment and uniforms, and childcare. The funding will also cover work performed on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals, with priority given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

On August 13, 2004, President Bush declared a major disaster in 25 counties in Florida due to the damage caused by the storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will make $2 million in benefits and administrative funding available immediately.

The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation is currently assessing the estimated amount of funding that will be needed to handle claims filed by affected workers under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. Individuals were able to begin filing for disaster unemployment assistance on August 15, 2004 for a 30-day filing period ending September 15, 2004. Initial projections estimate that 33,600 claims for DUA are expected.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. This grant is part of the Administration’s effort to provide comprehensive relief and support to the victims of Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie.

For more information about disaster relief, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362 or 202-621-FEMA. For more information on the Department of Labor’s employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov or call 1-877-US2-JOBS.

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