U.S. Department of Labor to release $4.9 million representing final increment of grant to Texas for continued recovery from Hurricane Dolly

Total grant exceeds $7 million, with initial amount provided in August 2008

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the release of $4,900,171 in grant funds to create 534 temporary jobs in Texas to help clean up the state following Hurricane Dolly.

"Texas continues to recover from Hurricane Dolly, which hit in late July 2008," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will create additional jobs for workers to help affected areas recover from hurricane damage."

The Texas Workforce Commission will receive the grant to create temporary jobs for eligible, dislocated workers to continue cleanup. It also will help workers with re-employment assistance.

On July 24, 2008, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the following counties in Texas eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kennedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy.

On Aug. 13, 2008, Texas received funding for up to $7,350,171, with $2,450,000 released initially to create approximately 475 jobs related to cleanup and recovery. Today's grant will increase the number of temporary jobs to 534 and will serve as the final funding increment for the grant.

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/.