Press Release Archive
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Governor Culver Announces National Emergency Grant Projects
More than $17 million in federal funding to help rebuild Iowa
DES MOINES – Today, the Culver/Judge Administration announced a list of worksites that have been approved for funding through the $17.1 million National Emergency Grant that Iowa received last week. Iowa Workforce Development Director Elisabeth Buck released the project list during a stop in Cedar Rapids this morning.
“As Governor, I am committed to doing whatever I can to help our communities recover after this year’s historic floods, and this funding will do just that,” said Governor Culver. “The task before us is great – with hundreds of communities and thousands of Iowans affected. But the will and determination of Iowans is even greater. I am confident that we will rebuild Iowa, stronger and better than before.”
The list released today included 54 projects that will employ more than 550 individuals. Included in the total were 12 projects in hard-hit Linn County, which have been approved to employ more than 300 Iowans.
“The full effects of the floods of 2008 have yet to be realized,” said IWD Director Elisabeth Buck. “Not only have communities been damaged and homes destroyed, but many Iowans have also been put out of work. As Iowans begin down the road to recovery, our primary focus is on helping those in need. This partnership between state and federal resources will help hundreds of Iowans who have been affected by the floods get back to work.”
Last week, Iowa received a $17.1 million national emergency grant (NEG) for emergency public jobs. The program is designed to provide employment opportunities to Iowans who have become unemployed as a result of the recent natural disasters.
To be eligible for the grant, individuals must live or work in a county that has been declared eligible for FEMA public assistance.
Individuals can work for approximately 6 months in the program and can earn up to $12,000. Individuals are paid at the prevailing rate for the worksite, which provides higher compensation than unemployment insurance benefits. To apply, Iowans who are eligible are encouraged to apply at their local Iowa Workforce Development Office.
A copy of the project list is attached.