State gets grant for hurricane victims

DALLAS - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a nearly $13.4 million grant to Texas to provide temporary jobs and employmentrelated assistance to approximately 4,790 workers affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"Thousands of workers in Texas were left unemployed by last year's hurricanes and need help to find and prepare for new jobs," said Secretary Chao.

"This $13.4 million grant will fund temporary work in areas hard-hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and provide skills training and other assistance so that they can succeed in jobs in high-growth industries."

The $13,359,353 grant, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will provide temporary jobs, public sector employment, and employment-related assistance that may include

assessment, individual counseling, career planning, employment development and occupational skills training. Additional services may include relocation assistance, out-ofarea job search assistance and other supportive services.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.