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Remarks Prepared
For Delivery By
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Hurrican Isabel
North Carolina NEG Grant
Raleigh, North Carolina
Tuesday, October 21,
2003
Thank you for joining us today.
I would like to thank the Triangle American Red Cross for letting us use
their space for this morning’s announcement.
As you know, Hurricane Isabel devastated many counties in North
Carolina.
Homes were washed away, businesses were flooded, and crops were
ruined.
The high winds and floodwaters especially took their toll on the tourism
industry in the eastern shore—destroying hotels, piers and vacation
homes.
Our hearts go out to all those whose lives and livelihoods were affected
by this disaster.
President George W. Bush—and all of us here today—are deeply
committed to helping North Carolina’s devastated communities and
businesses rebuild.
We want to do everything possible to quickly restore neighborhoods so
employers, workers and their families can get back on their feet as soon as
possible.
That’s why today I am announcing a total of $10 million in National
Emergency Grants to help create jobs for the cleanup and restoration of 26
North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Isabel.
The $10 million grant I’m announcing today will help create
approximately 2,000 temporary jobs to aid in the recovery efforts.
These jobs will assist with the renovation and reconstruction of
destroyed structures, public facilities and lands. They will help restore the
costal dunes, repair buildings, haul debris, and aid in the delivery of
humanitarian assistance.
Participants in these temporary cleanup jobs can earn up to $12,000 or
higher if their work is determined to be critical to the recovery effort.
They will be paid the higher of the federal, state or local minimum
wage, or the prevailing rate of pay for other workers in similar occupations by
the same employer.
In addition to temporary jobs, participants will be provided a number of
supportive services, including job-related transportation, work equipment,
emergency medical assistance and childcare.
Today’s grant is part of our continuing efforts to assist North
Carolina dislocated workers and their families. Since January 1, 2003, this
Administration has provided $32 million in NEG grants to help North Carolina
dislocated workers pursue new opportunities.
I want to thank you for being here today, and now I’d like to ask
Governor Easley to make a few remarks.
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