U.S. Department of Labor Awards $890K for Disaster Recovery Jobs and Training in Texas
Federal grant funding will support disaster cleanup jobs and workforce training in Texas communities hit hard by deadly summer flooding, with safety playing a critical role in recovery efforts.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Sep 29, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $890,121 in grant funding to support disaster recovery employment and training services in Texas following severe storms and flooding earlier this summer.
From July 2–18, 2025, the Alamo region experienced heavy rainfall and catastrophic flooding, including a rapid rise in the Guadalupe River on July 4 that caused extensive damage and loss of life. A major disaster declaration by FEMA opened the door for federal assistance to support recovery efforts.
The Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant will enable the Texas Workforce Commission to create temporary jobs for cleanup and restoration activities, while also providing training and employment services for eligible residents in affected communities.
Disaster response work often involves elevated safety risks such as unstable structures, electrical hazards, contaminated water, and extreme heat. OSHA guidance and safety training are essential to protect workers engaged in debris removal and rebuilding operations.
The grant, supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, helps state and local agencies respond to major economic dislocations and ensure that workforce and safety needs are met during large-scale recovery operations.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.