US Department of Labor provides $2 million to assist with storm recovery efforts in Mississippi

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant to assist Mississippi with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of recent storms, tornadoes and flooding.

"This Labor Department grant will provide a lifeline to people who need work and a paycheck while allowing them to begin rebuilding their communities," said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "Investments like this strengthen communities by assisting in their recovery and putting local workers back on the job."

The funds are being awarded to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to create temporary jobs that support storm recovery efforts.

In the aftermath of weather events that hit Mississippi in February, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared several counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The state plans to target Forrest and Lamar counties 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 Mississippi is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4101/affected-counties.

Of the $2 million announced today, $1million 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/.