US Department of Labor announces $240,000 grant to continue storm recovery efforts in West Virginia

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $240,000 National Emergency Grant increment to help continue clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of flooding that struck southern West Virginia in May 2009.

"These funds will provide additional assistance to support clean up and repair efforts in the communities affected by last year's flooding," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The floodwaters may have receded, but West Virginia is still cleaning up and we are committed to helping."

This third and final increment of the original grant will be awarded to WorkForce West Virginia.

On May 15, 2009, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following counties in West Virginia eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance program: McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh and Wyoming. The declaration was later amended to include Calhoun, Gilmer, Lewis, Roane, Upshur and Wirt counties.

On June 10, 2009, a $720,000 National Emergency Grant was awarded to the state by the Labor Department. Of that, $240,000 was released initially to create about 40 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts. A second increment in the amount of $240,000 was awarded on April 2, 2010.

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/.