U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $2 million to Arkansas to aid in recovery from winter storm

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,167,099 grant to the state of Arkansas to create approximately 151 temporary jobs related to cleanup after a winter storm.

"Today's grant will provide temporary jobs in Arkansas to assist in cleanup and projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the recent ice storm," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services will receive the grant to provide temporary storm-related jobs, including demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and land within affected communities. Additionally, these funds may be used to perform work on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the federally funded weatherization program. Funds also will be used to provide core, intensive and retraining services for individuals selected for the temporary jobs who cannot return to work.

This grant will target 19 of the 30 Arkansas counties declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Feb. 6 to be eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Crawford, Franklin, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren and Washington. Other counties may be included under the grant following further evaluation.

Of the $2,167,099 announced today, $725,000 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 http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.