Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that Florida has been awarded an additional $28 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant for eligible Floridians affected by COVID-19.

This federal Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant, which is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, “will provide disaster-relief employment in the form of temporary jobs, employment and training services, and supportive services to eligible Floridians,” according to a news release.

“As our state and local communities continue to recover from the pandemic, I am proud to announce $28 million in additional funding for disaster-relief employment,” Gov. DeSantis said. “I look forward to putting these dollars to use right away to give Floridians in need an opportunity to work.”

“I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership and for his steps to reopen the state, so more Floridians can find gainful employment,” said Dane Eagle, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “We look forward to helping Floridians get back to work and receive the training and support they need as we rebuild our economy.”

Earlier this year, the Department of Economic Opportunity was awarded $12 million for the Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant, according to the news release. Disaster relief employment includes humanitarian assistance and cleanup activities, such as:

• Providing medicine, food, and other supplies to individuals in need
• Assisting with setting up quarantine areas and providing assistance to quarantined individuals
• Working at food distribution centers and other community-support organizations
• Cleaning schools or sanitizing quarantine or treatment areas
• Other activities related to organizing and coordinating recovery and quarantine efforts

People who qualify for disaster-relief employment are dislocated workers, workers who have been temporarily or permanently laid off as a result of COVID-19, self-employed individuals who have lost work due to COVID-19 and people who have been unemployed long-term.

“We are grateful for Governor DeSantis’ dedication to helping Floridians recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard said. “The Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant will help Floridians who have lost jobs by providing employment and training services. With our partners at DEO, the CareerSource Florida network is here to help our neighbors as they rebound and, ultimately, reimagine and rebuild Florida’s economy.”