"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.