US Department of Labor provides grant to help Alabama residents recover from severe storms

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $10 million National Emergency Grant to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama last month.

"The scenes of devastation in Alabama are heartbreaking," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help the people of Alabama get back on their feet. I am pleased that my department has the opportunity to offer assistance to clean up and repair the affected communities."

The funds are being awarded to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and will be used to create temporary jobs to assist in recovery efforts.

President Obama has declared the state of Alabama a disaster area. On April 28, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared all 67 counties in Alabama eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The counties of Bibb, Calhoun, Cullman, DeKalb, Elmore, Fayette, Franklin, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Saint Clair, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa and Walker have been targeted by the state for assistance under this grant. Additional counties may be included at a later date if further evaluation warrants their inclusion. More information on designated disaster areas in Alabama is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=14232.

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.