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Grants to assist Florida workers affected by Bonnie and Charley

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $50 million, with an initial release of $16 million, to assist workers in Florida affected by tropical storm Bonnie and hurricane Charley.

"President Bush and I want workers affected by this disaster to know that help is available now," said Chao. "Federal and state agencies are working around the clock to make sure that dislocated workers have access to temporary jobs, supportive services, such as transportation and child care expenses, and disaster unemployment insurance as quickly and easily as possible."

The grant will provide temporary employment and supportive services to eligible workers. Information on employment assistance is available by calling toll free 1-800-342-3450.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also has made $2 million available immediately to eligible dislocated workers through the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

DUA's major objective is to provide assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster, and who are not eligible for regular state unemployment compensation. Individuals who meet these criteria can file claims online at www.floridajobs.org or by phone at 1-800-204-2418. Operating One-Stop Career Centers and mobile One-Stop units also are accepting claims applications.