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ETA News Release: [08/02/2006]
Contact Name: David James or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 06-1305-PHI

U.S. Labor Department Announces $2 million Grant for Flood Cleanup and Recovery in Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a grant of $1,986,000 to create approximately 150 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts following June's widespread flooding and severe storms in northeastern Pennsylvania.

"This nearly $2 million grant will put 150 Pennsylvanians to work aiding the ongoing flood cleanup and recovery efforts," said Secretary Chao. "Eligible dislocated workers in Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to earn a paycheck while assisting communities that suffered storm damage."

On June 30, 2006, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared eight counties in Pennsylvania eligible for public assistance. The counties include Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Northampton, Northumberland, Susquehanna and Wyoming.

The grant will be awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Funds from this grant will provide temporary jobs to eligible dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed. In addition to cleanup and recovery efforts, projects also will provide workforce development services for those needing reemployment and food, clothing, shelter and other humanitarian assistance for flood victims.

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 National Emergency Grants and other Department of Labor employment and training programs, please visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.