US Department of Labor awards grant to assist with recovery efforts in Mississippi following severe flooding

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3 million National Emergency Grant to create 230 temporary jobs to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the aftermath of severe flooding along the Mississippi River in May and June.

"Floods dealt a severe blow this spring to many communities in Mississippi," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased that the Labor Department can support cleanup efforts that will help lead to a sustained recovery for Mississippi's impacted communities."

On July 13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency amended its May 11 disaster declaration to include the following Mississippi counties as eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Adams, Bolivar, Claiborne, Coahoma, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Sharkey, Tunica, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson and Yazoo. More information on designated disaster areas in Mississippi is available from FEMA at: http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14452.

The funds are being awarded to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Of the $3 million announced today, $1 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.

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/.