Labor Department approves grant NEW ORLEANS (AP) (wrkf) - The U.S. Department of Labor says it's making up to $22.2 million available to Louisiana for temporary jobs and humanitarian aid following Hurricane Gustav.

The department says $7.4 million will be released initially, with additional funds subject to approval based on the state's needs.

The grant is going to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which will determine how the funds are used.

The labor department says money may go toward funding 4,000 temporary jobs for projects related to the cleanup, demolition, repair or rebuilding of damaged or destroyed buildings and lands in hurricane-affected areas.

Gustav made landfall on Labor Day as a Category 2 storm in south Louisiana. Many areas are still without electricity. © Copyright 2009, wrkf