US Department of Labor provides additional funding to continue assisting flood recovery efforts in southern Illinois

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $2,285,489 supplemental National Emergency Grant to fund continuing recovery efforts following storms and flooding that affected southern Illinois in April and May 2011.

The funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create additional temporary jobs for cleanup work and to help workers find permanent employment after their temporary jobs end. The Labor Department awarded an initial $2 million National Emergency Grant on June 30, 2011, to the same agency to fund a first round of temporary jobs.

"Last spring's severe weather caused widespread damage to southern Illinois," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Although much progress has been made, the additional federal funding announced today will help the state complete still needed cleanup and restoration work."

On June 7, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 21 Illinois counties – Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson – eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. All 21 counties will receive assistance under this grant. More information on designated disaster areas in Illinois is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14672.

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, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.