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OPA News Release: [05/30/2002]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grant Will Aid Dislocated La Plata Workers

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Up To $2.2 Million To Supplement Re-employment Programs in Tornado Devastated Area

WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $2.2 million that will aid workers laid off as a result of the tornado that caused widespread destruction in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore. A million dollars will be available immediately. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.

“The workers of La Plata have persevered in the face of tragedy, and the President and I are committed to getting them the assistance they need,” Chao said. “I hope these funds will be deployed right away to help La Plata rebuild and get these workers back to work.”

The grant project will be operated by the state’s Department of Labor and will provide temporary disaster jobs in Calvert and Charles Counties to help with the clean-up as a result of the tornado, as well as provide transition assistance for workers who lost their jobs as a result of the tragedy.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao. “The President and I believe temporary assistance for La Plata’s displaced workers will help the local economy recover more quickly.”

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

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