WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $31,640,646 grant to the state of Mississippi to continue assistance in recovery and rebuilding efforts in six coastal counties impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

"This nearly $32 million grant is part of the administration's ongoing effort to help Mississippians recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," said Secretary Chao. "These funds will go toward helping dislocated workers and bring needed resources to revitalizing and rebuilding the coastal region's economy."

This grant is being awarded to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. The counties eligible for assistance include George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone.

Since September 2, 2005, the state has received a total of $95 million in U.S. Department of Labor funds to support projects related to the recovery and rebuilding of areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

On May 15, 2006, the state received $13,359,354 as part of an overall $45 million grant to further assist in Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts already underway. The grant announced today will fulfill the balance of the commitment announced last May. 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 on National Emergency Grants and other Department of Labor employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.