In aftermath of Miss. severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, US Department of Labor provides assistance

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,599,860 National Emergency Grant award to assist with the cleanup and recovery efforts resulting from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Mississippi. These funds are being awarded to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and will be used to create approximately 420 temporary jobs to assist with the recovery efforts.

"The damage and destruction from this storm system was as severe as it was widespread," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "The resources that the state requires to respond to the storms include workers to assist in the recovery, and the Labor Department's funds will help meet those needs."

On April 30, the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated several disaster areas in Mississippi as eligible for its Public Assistance Program. Workers dislocated as a result of the disastrous weather, as well as the long-term unemployed and other eligible dislocated workers, are eligible to be placed in temporary cleanup and recovery jobs with today's approval of up to $5,599,860 in funding, with $1,866,620 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.