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OPA News Release: [10/12/2004]
Contact Name: Ed Frank or Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-4658 or 202-693-3984

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $700,000 in Funding to Aid Louisiana Workers Affected by Hurricane Ivan

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $700,000 to assist workers in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ivan. The grant will have an initial release of $231,000.

“President Bush and I are committed to helping workers affected by this disaster get back on their feet,” U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said. “This $700,000 grant will aid with disaster clean-up and provide temporary jobs for workers who can help restore and rebuild the communities in Louisiana that have been impacted by this storm.”

Awarded to the Louisiana Department of Labor, the grant will provide temporary jobs to assist in clean-up and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, which hit the state on September 13. Supportive services including child care, transportation assistance, work-related uniforms and equipment will also be available.

In addition, these funds may be used to perform work on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals who are eligible for the federally funded weatherization program. Priority will be given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

The state will provide assistance to citizens in four parishes: Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany. Additional parishes may be included under the project at a later date should further evaluation warrant their inclusion.

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.

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