Disaster cleanup aid

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced an initial award of more than $2 million in emergency dislocated worker grant funding to Texas to support cleanup and recovery activities in 26 counties after a series of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began April 26, 2024, caused catastrophic flooding and destruction.

On May 17, 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration allowing the state to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in Austin, Bell, Caldwell, Coryell, Grimes, Hamilton, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Lampasas, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Mills, Montgomery, Newton, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, San Saba, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Washington counties. 

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the National Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $6,186,272 allows the Texas Workforce Commission to provide people with temporary cleanup and recovery jobs. The grant will also enable the state to provide those in the affected communities with training and services. 

For tips and best practices for disaster cleanup, click here