US Department of Labor grant to assist West Virginia's recovery after severe storms and flooding

WASHINGTON — A $250,000 National Emergency Grant announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor will assist West Virginians with cleanup and recovery efforts following the severe storms and flooding that struck the state on June 13, 2013.

"These storms and the associated flooding caused significant damage in central West Virginia," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow. "The Labor Department's funding is part of the federal government's commitment to assist the state with cleanup and help those affected by the severe storms return to normalcy."

The funds are being awarded to WorkForce West Virginia and will be used to create temporary jobs for eligible individuals who will assist with the cleanup and recovery efforts.

On July 26, 2013, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the West Virginia counties of Mason and Roane eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The state plans to target Roane County 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 West Virginia is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4132/designated-areas.

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. More information is available at http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.