US Department of Labor provides grant to assist tsunami recovery efforts along Oregon coast

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $284,023 National Emergency Grant to assist recovery efforts following the March 11 tsunami wave surge. Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, the funds will be used to create temporary jobs to help repair damage to coastal areas of Curry County.

"The citizens of Oregon's southern coastal areas deserve our support as they repair damage inflicted by the tsunami's waves," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This natural disaster caused significant damage to public property and several harbors. Today's grant will help the people in these communities get back on their feet, and I am pleased that my department has the opportunity to offer assistance."

On March 25, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Curry County as eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. Of the $284,023 announced today, $94,674 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/.