U.S. Department of Labor provides more than $1.5 million to continue flood recovery efforts in Ohio

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $1,507,168 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to continue clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of flooding that occurred in Ohio in 2007.

This funding will be awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and be used to create more temporary jobs to assist in recovery and clean-up efforts as a result of the devastation caused by the flooding.

"Northern Ohio is still recovering from 2007's devastating floods, and the U.S. Department of Labor is committed to helping residents in the affected areas," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These supplemental funds will ensure the continuation of recovery efforts and provide temporary employment opportunities for affected Ohioans."

On Sept. 11, 2007, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the following seven counties in Ohio eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Richland and Wyandot.

On Jan. 8, 2008, a grant in the amount of $2,199,600 was awarded to the state, with $1,084,000 released initially to create about 118 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts. On Dec. 29, 2008, a second and final increment of $1,115,600 was awarded.

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/.