OLYMPIA, Wash. – The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the Employment Security Department $1 million for disaster recovery after December’s record flooding.
The funding is meant for eligible dislocated workers, Employment Security said. It will be used to “fund temporary jobs to supports community preparedness and recover,” to provide reemployment services and to deliver training and support services to help workers find new opportunities.
The grant is for assisting Benton, Kittitas, Yakima, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom county, as well as the Tribal nations within each county.
“Federal assistance is essential to help Washingtonians recover from these historic floods,” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said. “This funding will help our workers and employers get back on their feet. We will continue to work with federal partners to get relief for Washingtonians.”
Employment Security said in the next 60 business days, it plans to apply for $10 million of additional disaster recovery funds.
“These emergency funds will allow the severely affected areas in our state a chance to start the recovery process for workers and employers,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “The widespread flooding and landslides far exceed the response capacity of the local workforce boards. We’re thankful for this initial emergency funding.”
Last week, Ferguson requested $21.3 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds for counties and Tribal nations affected by the flooding and severe weather.
The request received from the entire Washington legislature in a letter sent the next day.
During the flooding, Ferguson from President Donald Trump, , giving Washington access to federal assistance during the flood response.
Last weeks FEMA request has yet to be answered.
