The U.S. Department of Labor has allocated $1 million in grant funding to facilitate disaster-relief jobs for Missouri residents affected by severe storms. These funds aim to support recovery efforts following the significant damage caused by weather events earlier this year.
In mid-March 2025, Missouri faced severe storms, tornadoes, and wildfires that resulted in extensive damage across 26 counties. This was followed by additional severe weather and flooding from March 30 to April 8, further impacting these areas. The destruction affected numerous businesses, leading to employee displacement until repairs are completed.
Two major disaster declarations were issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for these events, allowing Missouri to seek federal aid for recovery in the impacted counties: Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon Stoddart Texas Wayne.
The Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant will enable the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to offer temporary employment focused on cleanup and recovery operations in the affected communities.
This initiative is supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. National Dislocated Worker Grants provide funding for direct services and assistance when a major economic dislocation event results in workforce needs surpassing available resources.
