WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $15,883,200 grant to the state of Texas to create approximately 600 temporary jobs to assist in Hurricane Ike cleanup and recovery efforts.

“This $15.9 million National Emergency Grant will put several hundred Texans to work helping communities recover from Hurricane Ike damage,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “This grant will also fund humanitarian assistance such as food, clothing, shelter and other critical aid that Texans affected by the hurricane devastation are in need of.”

On Sept. 13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following counties in Texas eligible for its Public Assistance Program: Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Washington.

The grant, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will be used to provide temporary employment on projects for the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands within the affected communities. 

Funds also will be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance, including work on the homes of individuals eligible for the federally funded weatherization program with priority assigned to the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Of the total announced today, $7.9 million will be released initially.  The balance will be released as the state demonstrates a continued need for disaster assistance.
 
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.