ETA News Release: [October 10, 2006]
Contact Name: David James or Michael Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Grant
of More Than $1.7 Million for Flood Recovery in Texas
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $1,772,413 grant to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts following severe storms and flooding in the westernmost region of Texas.
"This nearly $1.8 million grant will enable the state to create temporary jobs putting Texans to work helping their communities and aiding flood victims," said Secretary Chao.
On Aug. 15, 2006, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the counties of El Paso and Hudspeth eligible for public assistance. The city of El Paso estimates that approximately 235 homes and businesses were flooded, and approximately 500 families were left in need of temporary housing and emergency assistance.
The grant, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will create approximately 130 temporary jobs that will be filled by workers dislocated as a result of the storms and flooding, other eligible dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed.
The grant also will fund projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other humanitarian assistance for flood victims. Participants may receive child care and transportation assistance as well as safety equipment and work-related uniforms.
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 National Emergency Grants and other Department of Labor employment and training programs, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG/.
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