The Delegation had requested a grant in the amount of $30 million from the Department of Labor to assist the estimated 15,000 dislocated workers in Arkansas from the Gulf region.  The Delegation hopes that this $3 million is the foundation for more funding.

"From Hurricane Katrina and now to Hurricane Rita, Arkansas has demonstrated to the rest of the country what it means to be a good neighbor," Senator Blanche Lincoln said. "I welcome this money today because it couldn’t be more timely, but much more is needed from the federal government to allow Arkansas to adequately handle all the evacuees we are hosting. I’m proud to have worked with Congressman Snyder and the rest of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to expedite this money, and I look forward to working with the Delegation to ensure that Arkansas has all the federal resources it needs."

“Our entire delegation is working together to ensure Arkansas has the money it needs to support our Gulf Coast neighbors in their time of need. I’m pleased that Arkansas has received this much needed funding, and I will continue to fight for money the state will need to help individuals rebuild their lives and keep the state’s budget afloat,” Pryor said. 

 “Arkansas has opened its hearts and homes to so many Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and continues to as we hear of 4,000 more people arriving this week from Texas,” said Congressman Snyder.  “While we have asked for much more federal assistance, this $3 million is a good start."

 “Ensuring that residents of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama receive the necessary resources to start over is a vital step to restoring a sense of normalcy to the spontaneously uprooted lives of our southern neighbors,” said Ross.  “This National Emergency Grant for the Arkansas Employment Security Department is a promising start as those affected by Hurricane Katrina begin the process of rebuilding their lives, and I remain committed to working with the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to pursue additional funding.”

"The people of Arkansas have come together to provide care and comfort for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Our Senators, myself, and the rest of Arkansas' House members are pushing for federal assistance so Arkansas can continue helping our neighbors rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the federal government has released this grant.  We will continue to push for additional aid so that Arkansas can continue to care for our neighbors in their time of need," said Boozman.

"Arkansans have opened their homes and businesses to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and remain committed to doing whatever it takes to help these individuals rebuild their lives," said Congressman Berry. "Today's announcement affirms the federal government's commitment to this effort and should ensure all Arkansans that we stand with them in our commitment to providing employment opportunities for the recent evacuees of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama."

The NEG grant will provide for assistance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina such as temporary employment to assist disaster relief efforts, including supporting shelter operations and assisting with humanitarian efforts; needs-related payments for those not eligible for or who have exhausted either disaster and unemployment insurance; short-term vocational training that could be useful in rebuilding or resettlement efforts; job search assistance; temporary unsubsidized employment opportunities in the private sector; and dissemination of information on how to access Disaster Unemployment Assistance or Unemployment Insurance; establishment of temporary shelters; and crisis and financial counseling.  The Department of Labor will provide this funding to the state, which funds the project operation.

The Delegation has sent three letters requesting NEG funding, one to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, one to President Bush, and one to Chairman Lewis and Ranking Member Obey of the House Committee on Appropriations.