​​​​​​​U.S. Department of Labor Announces up to $8 Million in Disaster Recovery Funding for Louisiana in Response to Hurricane Laura

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant for up to $8,000,000, awarded to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, in response to Hurricane Laura. 

Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 27, 2020. The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration the following day, which allows for the state to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in all parishes. The initial award of $4,000,000 will assist the state in creating disaster-relief jobs to address debris cleanup and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the storm statewide. Louisiana may request additional funding increments based on the project’s demonstrated need.  

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National 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.