US Department of Labor provides grant increment to assist Bastrop County, Texas, with continuing recovery efforts after 2011 wildfires

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $349,845 National Emergency Grant increment to continue funding up to 69 temporary jobs for eligible workers to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in Bastrop County, Texas, following wildfires in 2011.

"The far-reaching destruction of the 2011 wildfires significantly impacted communities in Bastrop County," said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "This federal funding will provide critical assistance for tackling the tremendous recovery efforts already underway by creating temporary cleanup jobs for those in need of employment."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Bastrop and a number of other Texas counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program on Sept. 9, 2011, and in subsequent amendments through Feb. 1, 2012. On Oct. 27, 2011, the Labor Department awarded a National Emergency Grant for up to $1,423,992 to the Texas Workforce Commission for Bastrop County, with $474,664 released initially. Today's grant increment brings the total funds awarded to date to $824,509.

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/.