labor lawAdivision of labor law center

 The US Department of Labor recently announced a grant of more than $17 million to Iowa to aid workers in areas affected by flooding and tornadoes.

 

“Our hearts go out to Iowans who are suffering from the ongoing flooding and who were victims of the recent tornadoes, including last week’s tragic loss of life at a Boy Scout camp,” said US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.  “This $17 million grant will pay for temporary jobs to aid in the cleanup and recovery from these natural disasters and will provide humanitarian assistance to Iowans in need.” 

 

As of June 16, nearly one-third of the state was under water, and flooding continued. A June 11 tornado touched down in a Boy Scout camp, killing 4 and injuring many others. The severe thunderstorms affected many areas of the Midwest, causing flooding in the Missouri, Upper Mississippi, and Ohio River Basins.

 

The $17,127,000 initial grant is released to the Iowa Workforce Development Agency. It will be used to create 600 jobs for dislocated workers in Iowa. Eligible workers are those who have lost their jobs due to the flooding, and long-term unemployed workers in the area. Workers will assist in cleanup, demolition of ruined buildings, repair, renovation and reconstruction of public structures, facilities and lands affected by the flooding and tornadoes.

 

In addition, the monies will be used to provide food, clothing, shelter and humanitarian aid for disaster victims including those eligible for the federally-funded weatherization program. More than $6 million will be released immediately, with the balance available by the end of the month.

 

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared a number of counties across Iowa eligible for the FEMA Public Assistance Program.

 

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.

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