US Department of Labor provides grant to assist southern Illinois with recovery efforts following severe storms and flooding

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible workers who will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and flooding in Illinois that began on April 19.

"Spring storms dealt a severe blow to the communities of southern Illinois this year," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help the residents in this region to clean up their towns and begin to get back on their feet."

The funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

On June 7, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 21 Illinois counties – Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson – eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. Other counties may be added at a later date if further evaluation warrants their inclusion. More information on designated disaster areas in Illinois is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14672.

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/.