State bumps up federal disaster funding

The state government is investing an additional $16.5 million in federal National Emergency Grant funding to pave the way for temporary jobs in 29 Missouri counties, including Jasper, Polk, Taney and Webster, affected by tornadoes, floods and severe storms.

Utilizing the funds, the Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program - created in June after the Joplin tornado - will create 1,347 temporary jobs to assist with cleanup efforts. The funding also provides work force development services to help temporary workers gain re-employment after the completion of their short-term work, according to a news release.

“Our state was hit hard by horrific tornadoes, severe storms and devastating flooding in the past year, but we remain determined to rebuild and bring damaged communities back to normal,” Nixon said in the release. “Putting folks back to work is a crucial part of that process."

The state's Disaster Recovery Jobs Program initially authorized $5.8 million in federal funding to hire 404 temporary workers to assist with cleanup and humanitarian efforts in Jasper and Newton counties. An additional $13.9 million created another 446 temporary jobs at the end of June.

Temporary workers clear and remove debris and help to restore public land and facilities. Wages equate to entry-level pay, the release said.

Information on gaining temporary employment through the program can be found on the Missouri Department of Economic Development's Web site.

The other counties included in the latest round of funding are Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Miller, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, St. Francois, Scott, Shannon, St. Louis, Stoddard, Texas, Washington, Wayne and Wright.[[In-content Ad]]