WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,141,700 grant, with $713,900 released initially, to the state of Washington to help create temporary jobs to aid in cleanup and recovery efforts resulting from recent storms in the state.

“This more than $2 million grant will provide jobs to dislocated workers assisting in the cleanup and recovery efforts in Washington,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “Funds from the grant may also be used for humanitarian projects making shelter, food and clothing available to disaster victims.”

On Dec. 8, 2007, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the Washington counties of Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

The grant, awarded to the Washington State Employment Security Department, will provide workers affected by the recent storms with temporary jobs on projects related to the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands within the affected communities.  Funds will also be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance for disaster victims.

Funding may also be used to provide job-training services for participating workers who are not able to return to permanent employment following the completion of temporary jobs.

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, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.