US Department of Labor awards $1M for disaster-relief jobs for Missouri residents affected by multiple severe storms

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $1 million in grant funding to support disaster-relief jobs for Missouri residents suffering from the aftermath of severe storms. 

Between March 14-15, 2025, Missouri experienced several severe storms, tornadoes, and wildfires that damaged and destroyed structures, facilities, and land in 26 of its counties. Many of these same areas were hit again between March 30-April 8, 2025, with severe weather and flooding. Numerous businesses were also damaged or destroyed, displacing employees until repairs can be completed. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued two major disaster declarations for the storms, enabling Missouri to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in 26 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, and Wayne. 

This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to provide residents with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts in affected communities.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources.