WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $2 million grant, with an initial release of $1 million, to create approximately 160 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts to alleviate damage caused by recent tornadoes.

“The recent tornado devastation in Florida has left several counties in need of extensive cleanup and repair,” said Secretary Chao. “This $2 million grant will provide temporary jobs to dislocated workers to help communities recover and deliver aid to fellow Floridians who have suffered loss and damage.”

On Feb. 3, 2007, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the counties of Lake, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Dislocated workers seeking assistance are encouraged to contact 1-866-FLA-2345.

In addition to cleanup and recovery assistance, the grant, awarded to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, will provide temporary employment on projects that provide Floridians with food, clothing, and shelter. Those eligible to participate in the temporary jobs projects include workers dislocated as a result of the tornadoes, other dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor'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 www.doleta.gov/NEG/.