US Department of Labor provides grant increment to continue storm recovery efforts in Oregon

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $89,673 National Emergency Grant increment to continue cleanup and recovery efforts following the severe winter storms and resulting flooding, mudslides, landslides and debris flows that struck Oregon in January.

"Oregon continues to need federal assistance to repair and rebuild its communities," said Jane Oates, assistant secretary of the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration. "This grant increment gives the state the ability to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in the continued cleanup and recovery efforts of affected communities."

On Feb. 17, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Clackamas, Clatsop, Crook, Douglas, Lincoln and Tillamook counties in Oregon eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program.

This increment is being awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development. On March 18, the secretary of labor approved a National Emergency Grant for up to $176,904, with $58,968 released initially. Today's increment brings the total amount awarded to date to $148,641.

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/.