The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the allocation of $2.7 million in grant funding aimed at facilitating disaster-relief efforts and providing employment and training services for residents of Georgia affected by Hurricane Helene. This hurricane, which struck on September 26, 2024, first made landfall in Florida before advancing into Georgia, where it inflicted significant damage through heavy rains and severe winds, leading to substantial destruction, widespread infrastructure damage, and extended power outages throughout the state. These conditions also resulted in noteworthy job losses among residents.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded by issuing a major disaster declaration, thereby allowing Georgia to seek federal aid for its recovery initiatives. The declaration impacts numerous counties, including Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, and many others across the state that have been grappling with the consequences of the hurricane.
A Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant has been awarded, enabling the Technical College System of Georgia to deploy resources toward hiring residents for temporary positions aimed at assisting with cleanup and recovery operations. Additionally, the grant facilitates the provision of employment and training services for eligible individuals in the affected areas.
These initiatives are supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The act underpins National Dislocated Worker Grants, aimed at ensuring that state or local boards receive necessary funding to address direct service needs and assistance in regions undergoing major economic disruptions that surpass current resources.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
