Additional funding to assist Ill. with recovery efforts following severe storms provided by US Labor Department

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $646,534 National Emergency Grant incremental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms that affected 40 counties in Illinois between April 16 and May 5, 2013. These funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

"Recovery work continues in Illinois as a result of last spring's severe weather," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow. "Today's funding from the U.S. Labor Department will assist in keeping those efforts going, particularly with the debris removal required in parks and drainage districts."

On June 21, 2013, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared a total of 40 Illinois counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program, following the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding of April and May 2013. This grant continues work in eight of those counties: Calhoun, Cass, Fulton, Mason, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler and Scott. FEMA's website provides more information on the designated disaster areas in Illinois.

Subsequent to the FEMA declaration, this National Emergency Grant was awarded on June 27, 2013, for up to $2,000,000, with $708,444 released initially. This incremental funding of $646,534 will bring the total NEG funds awarded for this project to $1,354,978. 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.