Department of Labor provides $477,000 grant increment to continue assisting Minnesota with recovery from flooding in southeastern counties

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $477,065 National Emergency Grant increment to continue temporary employment of eligible dislocated workers to assist with ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts after the severe storms and floods that hit southeastern Minnesota between Sept. 22 and Oct. 14, 2010.

"Minnesota continues to uncover more cleanup work resulting from the severe storms and floods in the fall of 2010," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "This incremental funding is part of the federal government's commitment to help the people of Minnesota rebuild their communities and their lives."

On Oct. 13, 2010, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared a total of 21 Minnesota counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program after severe storms and flooding that began in September 2010. This grant serves 10 of those counties: Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Martin, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Watonwan.

The grant was awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development on Nov. 8, 2010, for up to $1,160,391, with $580,195 released initially. This latest increment of $477,065 will bring the total National Emergency Grant funds awarded to $1,057,260. 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/.