US Department of Labor awards $15 million grant increment to continue storm recovery efforts in Ohio

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $15,438,000 National Emergency Grant increment to create 1,191 temporary jobs for eligible workers to continue cleanup and recovery efforts following the widespread severe storms and winds that caused damage across Ohio between June 29 and July 2, 2012.

"Although it has been almost a year since Ohio was hit by devastating storms, cleanup efforts continue and the federal government continues to assist those efforts," said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "The grant announced today represents the Labor Department's commitment to help Ohioans rebuild their communities and their lives."

Awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the funding will provide assistance for cleanup efforts in 19 counties: Athens; Belmont; Gallia; Guernsey; Hancock; Harrison; Hocking; Jackson; Lawrence; Licking; Logan; Meigs; Monroe; Morgan; Muskingum; Perry; Putnam; Vinton; and Washington. On Aug. 20, 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 37 Ohio counties eligible for disaster assistance. More information on designated disaster areas in Ohio is available at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4077.

On Sept. 14, 2012, the department awarded a grant for up to $21,438,000, with $6 million released initially to create 407 temporary jobs. The latest increment completes the grant award by bringing the total funding awarded for this project to $21,438,000.

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/.