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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced an initial award of $15 million to support disaster-relief employment, and employment and training services in Florida as the state continues its recovery from Hurricane Ian.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the National Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $30 million allows the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to provide individuals with temporary employment focused on debris removal and water damage cleanup; as well as career and training services for workers affected by the storm. The grant will also provide funds for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in areas struck by the storm.

Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane along Florida’s southwest coast, bringing high winds, storm surges and massive flooding across and up to the state’s northeast corner. The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration on Sept. 29, 2022, enabling Florida to request this funding.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.