South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has announced a federal grant of $10 million to aid North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. The funds, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, aim to provide employment and training services in areas severely affected by the hurricane.

"The impacts from Hurricane Helene have been catastrophic for Western North Carolina, causing immense damage to many communities and hurting our state’s economy as well," stated Governor Cooper. He emphasized the importance of the grant in supporting job creation and training services, expressing gratitude towards the Biden-Harris Administration for their support.

The grant was requested by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS). An initial $2 million will be released immediately, with further funds available as needed for workforce development. DWS may apply for additional funding beyond the initial $10 million if required.

"We look forward to using these resources to support disaster relief and recovery by connecting people who need work with organizations that need workers," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. She highlighted the resilience of western North Carolina communities facing significant challenges.

The Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant covers 25 counties including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania Watauga Wilkes and Yancey counties. Pending federal approval could expand coverage to Mecklenburg and Swain counties recently added to the disaster declaration list.

This two-year grant will employ eligible residents in storm recovery or humanitarian assistance roles. Supported by the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act grants like this one fund temporary jobs following unexpected events causing job losses. Participants can be employed up to 12 months with nonprofits government agencies or private businesses involved in disaster recovery efforts.

Besides temporary employment opportunities this grant supports job placement services and workforce training such as community college courses. Workers temporarily or permanently laid off due to Hurricane Helene may qualify under specific criteria.

DWS has experience administering similar grants in collaboration with local workforce boards most recently after Hurricane Florence in 2018. Residents interested in applying should contact their local NCWorks Career Center accessible at www.ncworks.gov.

This initiative is fully funded by a Dislocated Worker Grant from the Employment and Training Administration part of an initial $10 million award to North Carolina.