WASHINGTON (AP) – Massachusetts will receive $1.6 million in aid for flood recovery efforts, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Friday.

The emergency grant will provide temporary cleanup and recovery jobs to about 176 eligible dislocated workers as well as food, clothing, shelter and other assistance to victims of the severe storms and floods of May, according to a statement from Labor Secretary Elain L. Chao.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said the emergency grant would help recovery efforts in the state.

“This assistance is vital in ensuring that our communities will be able to rebuild and revitalize neighborhoods damaged by flood waters,” Kennedy said in a statement. “We’ll continue to work with federal and local officials to assist in helping our families in Massachusetts with the assistance they need.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency in June declared Essex and Middlesex counties eligible for FEMA’s public assistance program. The Labor grant is in addition to FEMA aid.

The Labor Department’s National Emergency Grants are distributed from Chao’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s abilities to meet the department’s guidelines.

“The spring floods in Massachusetts displaced many residents from their homes and jobs,” said Chao. “This $1.6 million grant will provide temporary jobs assisting in ongoing cleanup efforts and help workers rebuild their lives as well as their communities.”

AP-ES-06-30-06 1904EDT