U.S. Department of Labor Announces Up to $6.8 Million In Disaster Recovery Funding in Response to California Wildfires

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of a Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) of up to $6,877,500 to the California Department of Employment Development in response to the recent wildfires.

The initial award of $3,438,750 will assist California in creating disaster-relief jobs to address debris cleanup and delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the wildfires. Initially, the project will focus on efforts in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. 

As damage assessments are completed, work may expand to any of the California counties included in the associated major disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Aug. 22, 2020. California may request additional funding increments based on the project’s demonstrated need. 

On Aug. 16, 2020, lightning strikes ignited more than 600 wildfires across California. Several fires grew quickly in the midst of a severe heatwave and dry conditions, causing significant damage to national forests, state parks and local government property.

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 of Labor 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.