U.S. Department of Labor Awards Nearly $3 Million in Additional Disaster Recovery Funding to Ohio in Response to Severe Storms and Flooding

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced additional funding of $2,942,844 for a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in response to severe storms that battered the southeastern section of the state in February 2019.

When the storms occurred, record-breaking rainfall caused extreme flooding and embankment failures, as well as extensive road and culvert damage. These additional funds will allow for continued cleanup and efforts in the 13 counties declared eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program after a major disaster declaration was issued in April 2019.

The 13 counties are Athens, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.

The mission of the department is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.