Washington community recovering from flooding and mudslides
awarded more than $625K in additional funding from US Labor Department

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $626,159 National Emergency Grant incremental award to continue providing temporary employment for eligible individuals assisting with the clean-up and recovery efforts following the flooding and mudslides that occurred in Snohomish County, Washington, on March 22. The funds are being awarded to the Washington State Employment Security Department.

"The small, rural community of Oso continues to suffer the effects of the massive mudslides and flooding that caused such terrible loss of life and devastation," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Portia Wu. "This additional federal funding will support members of this community as they recover from that natural disaster and work to restore the area's vitality."

On April 18, this National Emergency Grant was approved for up to $2,867,947, with $955,982 released initially. Today's incremental funding of $626,159 will bring the total amount awarded for this project to $1,582,141. 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.