US Dept. of Labor Grant Creates Nearly 400 Temporary Jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a $5,849,481 National Emergency Grant (NEG) award to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Alex that struck Texas this past June. On August 3, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the following Texas counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata.

"The impact of these floods may not have been widely reported in the national media, but it was certainly felt by the many Texans who saw their lives and work interrupted," said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. "These funds will pay for temporary clean-up and recovery jobs to be filled by individuals impacted by the flooding."

The funds awarded to TWC are expected to create 381 temporary jobs to dislocated workers who will assist with the region’s recovery efforts.

“Flooding caused by Hurricane Alex has caused extensive damage in South Texas and has dislocated many workers,” said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken. “These emergency funds will help provide funding for necessary repairs.”

TWC has been working with the four local Workforce Solutions boards to determine the needs of the area. Workforce Solutions Cameron, Lower Rio Grande Valley, South Texas and Middle Rio Grande will coordinate the Temporary Jobs program that will place dislocated workers in subsidized employment to assist clean-up efforts.

The NEG funds support eligible, enrolled participants in the Temporary Jobs program who will receive wages and necessary supportive services such as transportation assistance and work clothing.