"The work will be specifically for flood cleanup on public lands like roads and bridges," he said. "Residents who lost their jobs because of the flood, and have filed for unemployment, will be the first ones chosen for work."

The grant, which comes from the United States Department of Labor, is available to elected officials in counties and municipalities without having to apply for it.

"Money from the grant will not only go to hire temporary workers, but it can be used to rent, not purchase, equipment to assist in the cleanup effort," Thomas told The Brazil Times.

Thomas added that the grant would be in effect until June 7, 2009, and would pay workers approximately $10 an hour.

State Representative Jeff Espich, who was in attendance at the early morning session, said that he sees a key ingredient to the success of the idea is to have the support of the existing local food processors.

Citing Pretzels, Inc. as an example, he asked “Is this going to help them grow and stay in Bluffton? Will it create new jobs?”

Espich questioned whether there are enough budding entrepreneurs in the area to support the project.