Governor Sonny Perdue Announces Help for Georgians In Need

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of two National Emergency Grants (NEG) by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The first grant will provide up to $1,266,755 for approximately 300 workers who are being displaced because of the closure of the Durango-Georgia Paper Company (DGPC) in St. Mary's. The second grant of $199,953 will fund the costs of developing the infrastructure to make health insurance benefits available for eligible individuals and to certify individuals potentially eligible for the health insurance tax credit.

"I want to thank the U.S and Georgia Departments of Labor for their efforts to provide emergency assistance for Georgians in need," said Governor Perdue. "When any of our citizens need a helping hand, the state of Georgia, working with our partners in the federal government, will work to provide the necessary assistance."

Of the $1,266,755 to help the DGPC workers, $420,000 will be available immediately. A varied array of assistance will be available including: resume writing, job and personal counseling, occupational training, job placement, and supportive services such as transportation and childcare. The grantee for the project will be the Georgia Department of Labor. The project operator will be the City of Savannah, Coastal Workforce Investment Board.

The second grant to help fund health insurance benefits, including tax credits, is authorized under the Trade Reform Act of 2002 and is being made available through the new special NEG authorities that were added to the Workforce Investment Act by the Trade Reform Act. The grantee for the project is the Georgia Department of Labor.