US Department of Labor provides grant to assist Ohio with storm recovery efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $21,438,000 National Emergency Grant to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and straight-line winds that occurred in Ohio between June 29 and July 2. This grant will provide aid to affected communities across 37 counties throughout the state.

"This summer's storms inflicted incredible damage across Ohio," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The federal funding announced today will assist with the clean-up of streambeds and waterways that are critical in preventing future flooding and subsequent damage to public infrastructure."

These funds are being awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and will be used to create temporary jobs to assist in recovery efforts.

On Aug. 20, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared a total of 37 Ohio counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program, following the severe storms and straight-line wind event. This grant will provide assistance for all of those counties: Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert, and Washington. More information on designated disaster areas in Ohio is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4077.

Of the $21,438,000 announced today, $6 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/.