WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,201,862 grant, with an initial release of $400,620, to the state of Oregon to create temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts resulting from recent severe storms that caused flooding and mudslides.

“This $1.2 million grant will fund temporary jobs for Oregonians to assist in ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts in communities affected by the recent severe storms,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “These funds can also be used to help provide humanitarian assistance such as food, clothing and shelter.”

On Dec. 8, 2007, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared nine Oregon counties as eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.  The state targeted seven of those counties – Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Polk, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill – for assistance under this grant.

The grant, awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, will provide temporary employment on projects related to the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged or destroyed public structures, facilities and lands within affected communities.  Funds may also be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance for disaster victims.

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, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.