labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $7,350,171 grant to Texas employers to create approximately 475 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Dolly.

 

Dolly, a category 2 hurricane, struck the Texas Gulf Coast on July 24, 2008. The storm left inches of rain in its wake. More than 175, 000 residents were still without power a day later, and damages were estimated at $750 million.   Dolly also affected portions of Mexico and other Gulf Coast regions.

 

“This $7.4 million grant will provide Texans with temporary jobs assisting in disaster relief and clean-up efforts to help communities recover from Hurricane Dolly damage,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

 

On July 24, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared fifteen counties in Texas eligible for FEMA public assistance.

 

The funds will be awarded to Texas counties including: Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy.

 

The grant, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will be used in the Gulf Coast counties to provide temporary employment on projects for the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands within affected communities. Funds will also be used for projects that provide retraining services for those who cannot return to work and humanitarian assistance for disaster victims, including work on the homes of individuals eligible for the federally funded weatherization program.

 

Of the total announced today, $2,450,000 will be released immediately. The balance will be released as the state demonstrates a continued need for disaster assistance.

 

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. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.

 

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