labor lawAdivision of labor law center

A $3 million grant will aid Minnesota workers affected by floods in the area. The U.S. Department of Labor announced the initial release of $1 million to create some 300 temporary jobs to aid in cleanup and recovery efforts following the summer’s flash floods.

“This $3 million grant will create nearly 300 temporary jobs for Minnesotans to help in the cleanup and reconstruction of their communities due to the recent flash flooding,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “In addition, these funds may also be for job training for workers who have lost jobs due to the flash floods and need new job opportunities.”

Heavy rains began in the area on August 19 and 20. As the waters rushed downstream in the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, a number of areas were affected.  On August 23, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared that Fillmore, Houston and Winona Counties in Minnesota were eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. That’s because heavy rains caused flash floods in those areas. On August 24, FEMA amended the declaration, and added three additional Minnesota counties: Olmstead, Steele and Wabasha. All of the counties mentioned are in the southeast corner of the state, near the Wisconsin border.

The grant is awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. It will be used to create temporary jobs to assist in projects related to cleanup. These jobs include demolition, repair, and renovation. Reconstruction of structures and areas affected by flooding will also be included.

Workers eligible to apply for the temporary jobs include those dislocated as a result of the floods, other dislocated workers, and the long-term unemployed in the areas afflicted.

Following the completion of temporary employment projects, funds may also be used to provide retraining services to workers who are unable to return to work as a result of the damage caused by the flooding.

This is a Disaster Relief grant under the National Emergency Grants program.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, National Emergency Grants (NEGs) are discretionary awards by the Secretary of Labor. The grants temporarily expand service capacity at the state and local levels through time-limited funding assistance in response to “significant dislocation events.” When a layoff, plant closing or other event creates a need beyond what the state can reasonably be expected to meet, the state may apply for an Emergency Grant.  In order for a state to qualify, any discretionary funds available at the state level must be included in the state’s resources.

National Emergency Grants are awarded by the U.S. Secretary of Labor for different purposes. Disaster grants benefit areas afflicted by floods, wildfires, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Other grants include Trade-WIA Dual Enrollment grants and Trade-Health Coverage Infrastructure grants.

Regular NEG grants may be available when a single or multiple company layoff affects 50 or more workers. NEG grants are also appropriate when layoffs are industry-wide within a region, or when small or rural communities are severely affected by layoffs of fewer than 50 people.

Trade-WIA Dual Enrollment grants are available for single or multiple-company projects that include layoffs of 50 workers or more. These grants are given only in areas where the U.S. Department of Labor determines that workers are affected by federal trade policies.

Trade-Health Coverage Infrastructure grants provide states with funds to help workers eligible for TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) or TRA (Trade Realignment Assistance) keep their healthcare insurance.

A number of resources are available to inform the state and local employment agencies of the policies that govern grant awards. Communities are urged to initiate the grant process early, to ensure that funds are available when needed.

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1. Posted by: SI WORKS for Southern Illinois - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] This was just the most recent of a series of National Emergency Grants awarded by Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. In September, a $3 million grant went to provide temporary jobs and benefits to workers in parts of Minnesota ravaged by flash floods. [...]

2. Posted by: Missouri Worker Grant of $1 Million - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] Also in September,  a $3 million grant went to provide temporary jobs and benefits to workers in parts of Minnesota ravaged by flash floods. [...]

3. Posted by: Special Veteran’s Day Grants for Workers - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] A number of recent grants have benefited veterans as well as other workers. A $3 million grant will offer temporary work and benefits to employees in parts of Minnesota that were hit by flash flooding. [...]

4. Posted by: Alaska Wins $2 Million Grant - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] Temporary jobs and benefits went in September to workers in Minnesota who lived in regions of the state hit by flash flooding thanks to a $3 million grant. [...]

5. Posted by: Federal Aid to Workers in Washington Storms - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] Also in September, a $3 million grant went to provide temporary jobs and benefits to workers in parts of Minnesota ravaged by flash floods. [...]

6. Posted by: $2.2 Million Federal Grant to Ohio Workers - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] Also in September,  a $3 million grant went to provide temporary jobs and benefits to workers in parts of Minnesota ravaged by flash floods. [...]