U.S. Department of Labor announces $1 million in aid to Minnesota to continue assistance in 2007 flood cleanup efforts

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1 million supplement to a previously awarded grant to the state of Minnesota to create approximately 50 temporary jobs to assist in continued clean-up efforts as a result of flash floods.

"Today's grant will increase the number of temporary jobs created in order to alleviate the potential for future flooding in southeastern Minnesota," said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.

On Sept. 7, 2007, the state of Minnesota was awarded $3 million to create approximately 300 temporary jobs for clean-up, repair and restoration efforts after prolonged and heavy rains that caused flash flooding in August 2007. The grant announced today represents additional funding.

Today's grant will be awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and will create an additional 50 temporary jobs needed to continue clean-up and recovery efforts deemed necessary by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The removal of storm debris from streambeds has been an ongoing part of this project in order to prevent future flooding within the affected counties. In light of additional flooding in the spring of 2008, as well as the heavy snowfall from the winter of 2008 to 2009, FEMA recently informed local emergency management officials that the spring of 2009 run-off may cause further flooding if the remaining streambeds are not cleared of debris as soon as possible.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG/.