US Department of Labor helps Californians recover from recent severe storms and flooding

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced an $11,267,940 National Emergency Grant to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts following heavy storms that caused high winds and excessive precipitation throughout California from mid-December 2010 through early January 2011.

"Storms, flooding and mud flows have caused extensive damage to roads, wastewater treatment plants, trail bridges and trails throughout California," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Such events can exact a high toll from communities. Providing grant assistance to Californians to aid recovery is the right thing to do."

Awarded to the California Employment Development Department, these funds will be used to create temporary jobs to assist recovery efforts following the damage caused by severe winter storms that occurred from Dec. 17, 2010, through Jan. 4, 2011.

On Jan. 26, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 10 counties in California – Inyo, Kern, Kings, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Tulare – as eligible for its Public Assistance Program.

Of the $11,267,940 announced today, $3,755,980 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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.