Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Vic Snyder (AR-02) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive a $216,332 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to create temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts in Conway, Dallas, and Perry Counties resulting from September’s Hurricane Gustav. 

“We all know the unpredictability of Arkansas weather, and unfortunately, many Arkansas farms, families and businesses suffered because of this year’s numerous severe weather events,” said Ross.  “Federal dollars like these are crucial to rebuilding our communities and I will continue working in our nation’s capital to ensure we have the necessary resources to recover from whatever natural disasters come our way.”

“Throughout the seemingly endless rounds of severe weather this year, Arkansans came together and demonstrated what it means to be a good neighbor by helping those in need,” Lincoln said.  “While our citizens, businesses, and local and state governments have done a tremendous job in the recovery effort, the federal government also has a critical role to play, and I’m pleased it has taken this step to provide much-needed assistance.”

“I have met with dozens of families who have had their homes or businesses destroyed as a result of severe storms and tornadoes this year,” said Pryor.  “These Arkansans are doing everything they can to put their lives back together.  This critical investment will reinforce their efforts and help them rejoin the workforce and provide for themselves and their families.”

“I hope this money will rapidly create jobs for the recovery efforts in Perry and Conway counties and help these communities get back on their feet,” said Snyder.

The National Emergency Grant, awarded to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, will fund temporary employment on the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged structures and public lands within affected communities.  Funds also will be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.