Published: 09-25-08
Federal Emergency Funds Will Create Jobs Assist Rebuilding Efforts
WASHINGTON—The Texas Workforce Commission will receive an initial federal National Emergency Grant of $7.95 million to assist dislocated workers as a result of Hurricane Ike U.S. Sen. John Cornyn R-Texas announced Wednesday.
The funding which comes through the U.S. Department of Labor will go toward establishing a temporary employment program. In addition the Department of Labor made clear that this amount could be increased if needed to as much as $15883200.
“Hurricane Ike delivered a devastating blow to East and Southeast Texas and as Texans begin to rebuild those battered areas of the state the federal government needs to be doing everything in its power to help them” Sen. Cornyn said.
“The jobs created by this grant will assist with the cleanup and recovery efforts while also helping to revitalize the local economies. This is good news and represents an important step forward in the recovery and rebuilding effort. I will continue to work closely with our local state and federal officials to ensure Texans impacted by Hurricane Ike are receiving the funding and resources needed to help make Texas whole again.”
Workers participating in the program will assist in cleanup and recovery efforts as well as humanitarian efforts such as projects to provide food clothing and shelter. Approximately 600 individuals will be temporarily employed and the program could be funded up to $15883200.
Sen. Cornyn has remained committed to ensuring Texans receive the federal assistance they need and are entitled to as Hurricane Ike recovery efforts continue. Earlier this week he was successful in securing crucial tax assistance for Texans hit by Hurricane Ike. The two major tax provisions – tax exempt bonds and low income housing tax credit – will be made available for Texas counties declared as a major disaster by the President.
