When Lawrence County and 17 others in Ohio were hit by heavy rains and flooding earlier this year, a lot of damage and a need for clean up were left in the aftermath.

As a result of a federal disaster declaration for the areas hit, Ohio Means Jobs was able to apply for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor to assist with the clean-up.

The dislocated workers grant will allow the agency to employ as many 100 workers for up to a year, doing tasks like unclogging streams and cleaning parks.

Ohio Means Job will provide equipment and train workers in things such as operation of chainsaws and administering CPR.

By taking advantage of this federal program, the agency, headquartered in Ironton at the One Stop center, has taken a disaster and turned it into a positive.

The area is in need of jobs, and this grant will potentially help many get back to work for a sizeable period of time.

We encourage those interested in the program to contact the One Stop for more information.