Missourians continue renewal of storm-hit communities
with US Labor Department funding

WASHINGTON — From August 2-14, 2013, a series of storms and floods destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure throughout the state of Missouri, resulting in the Federal Emergency Management Agency declaring 18 counties in the state eligible for its Public Assistance Program on September 6, 2013. The renewal effort that followed was bolstered with a U.S. Department of Labor National Emergency Grant of $2,044,035 on Oct. 2, 2013, with an initial release of $1,000,000. The infusion of funds helped the region make progress, but the work of restoring normalcy continues.

"While the scenes of destruction and hardship fade from memory in the rest of the country, communities hit by floods and other emergencies continue the hard work of rebuilding," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Portia Wu. "This grant supports the temporary employment of workers in these communities who, in turn, contribute to making the community whole again."

Today, the department announced the release of an additional $200,000 to aid the state's cleanup and recovery efforts. These funds are being awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development to continue temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the clean-up of affected areas. With today's announcement, the total awarded for this project will rise to $1,200,000. 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.