US Department of Labor provides more than $816,000 to continue severe storm recovery efforts in Arkansas

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced an $816,730 National Emergency Grant increment to continue clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck Arkansas in October 2009.

"Workers in Arkansas are helping the state recover from severe damage that stems from inclement weather last fall. This grant will continue funding for the temporary jobs of individuals engaged in those efforts," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

This funding will be awarded to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. It will be used to continue the clean-up and recovery efforts resulting from the devastation caused in 17 Arkansas counties: Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Dallas, Franklin, Fulton, Izard, Jackson, Logan, Marion, Newton, Scott, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White and Woodruff.

On Dec. 31, 2009, a grant was approved for up to $1,238,564, with $412,885 released initially, to create about 79 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers. This funding represents a second increment of the original 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/.