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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $391,539 National Emergency Grant to assist Arkansas with clean-up and recovery efforts after the severe winter storm that struck the state Dec. 25-26, 2012.

"The destruction caused by this severe storm affected lives throughout the state of Arkansas," said Jane Oates, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. "There is a great deal of recovery work to be done, and the Labor Department is committed to helping Arkansans rebuild their communities."

The grant, awarded to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, will be used to restore public lands and infrastructure by providing temporary work to those in need of employment.

On Jan. 29, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared a number of counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The state plans to target Lonoke, Pulaski and Saline for assistance under this grant. Additional counties may be included at a later date if further evaluation warrants their inclusion. More information on designated disaster areas in Arkansas is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4100/affected-counties.

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/.