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ETA News Release: [09/03/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Stephanie Cathcart
Phone Number: 202-693-4676
Release Number: 05-1678-DAL

Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $62.1 Million in Aid to Assist Louisiana's Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts

Grant Will Provide Approximately 10,000 Temporary Jobs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $62.1 million, with an initial release of $20.7 million, to provide approximately 10,000 temporary jobs for dislocated workers to help in recovery and clean-up efforts underway in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

"Our hearts go out to the people of New Orleans and communities throughout Louisiana, who face many challenges as they recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This grant will provide up to $62.1 million to create temporary jobs that will mean paychecks for thousands of dislocated workers and will help to clean-up, rebuild and repair their communities."

The Labor Department grant, given to the Louisiana Department of Labor, will be used for demolition, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands in coordination with other agencies providing services to affected communities. Funding will support projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other humanitarian assistance for individuals struck by the disaster. They will also be used to perform work on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals who are eligible for the federally-funded weatherization program, with priority given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

"Hurricane Katrina's destruction has left many residents of Louisiana homeless and in need of help," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "The department will continue to ensure that people's needs are addressed as recovery efforts go forward."

The parishes of Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Washington have been targeted by the state for assistance under this National Emergency Grant. Due to mass dislocation of Louisiana residents, all 64 state parishes will participate in providing worksites for displaced individuals until evacuation orders are lifted.

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.