US Department of Labor awards $1.4 million for disaster recovery in Florida following Tropical Storm Debby

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,461,142 National Emergency Grant increment to continue cleanup and recovery efforts throughout Florida following Tropical Storm Debby.

"These grant funds, in particular, will help the state of Florida and displaced oystermen complete the work of restoring the oyster beds of the Apalachicola Bay," acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris said. "This additional federal funding is an investment that will create employment opportunities for individuals and benefit their communities."

The funds are being awarded to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to continue temporary employment of eligible individuals to assist with cleanup and recovery in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby.

On July 3, 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared as eligible for FEMA's public assistance program the counties of Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Manatee, Nassau, Pasco, Sarasota, Suwannee, Union and Wakulla. The declaration was later amended to include additional counties. More information on designated disaster areas in Florida is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/.

On July 23, 2012, the department approved a $256,953 grant. A grant supplement was approved on Nov.30, 2012, for up to $2,699,712, with $1,238,570 released initially. Today's award brings the total funds for this project to $2,956,665.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG/.