US Department of Labor provides more than $5.8 million to assist flood recovery efforts in Texas

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,849,481 National Emergency Grant award to assist cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of hurricane-related flooding that struck Texas on June 30.

"The impact of these floods may not have been widely reported in the national media, but it was certainly felt by the many Texans who saw their lives and work interrupted," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These funds will pay for temporary cleanup and recovery jobs to be filled by individuals impacted by the flooding."

On Aug. 3, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following Texas counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata.

Of the $5,849,481 announced today, $2 million will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

Awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, these funds will be used to create temporary jobs to assist in the recovery efforts as a result of the damage caused by Hurricane Alex and the resultant flooding.

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/.