US Department of Labor provides grant to assist Ohio communities with recovery efforts following severe spring storms and flooding

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $16,233,360 National Emergency Grant that will create 1,144 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of spring storms and flooding that occurred in Ohio. Communities across 15 counties located in the Appalachian region were affected by the storms, which occurred between April 4 and May 15.

"The destruction caused by the floods this spring has placed a terrible strain on thousands of Ohioans, and they need to know their government stands with them as they work to make their communities whole again," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These emergency funds will help local workers provide for their families as they raze destroyed buildings, repair buildings, and clear streets and streams of debris. After natural disasters like this, it's critical that Washington steps up to help residents rebuild their neighborhoods and families rebuild their lives."

These funds are being awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Of the total award, $3.5 million will be released initially.

On July 13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared a total of 21 Ohio counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. This grant will assist 15 of those counties, including Athens, Belmont, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington. Other counties may be added at a later date if further evaluation warrants their inclusion. More information on designated disaster areas in Ohio is available from FEMA at: http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=15052.

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/.