2.1 million dollars approved to retrain oystermen

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has received about 2.1 million dollars to provide training and other re-employment services to approximately 94 Apalachicola Bay oystermen to help them prepare for careers in other industries.

The only workers eligible for the services are those who participated in the temporary jobs program provided in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby in June 2012. 

The $2.1 million grant is a supplemental National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

It is separate from the funding previously received through FEMA's Public Assistance Program as well as the $6.3 million in projects that will be provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Part of the NOAA money will go toward retraining, but most will go toward Apalachicola Bay Habitat Improvement and Monitoring as well as facilities upgrades for seafood processors.

http://live.oysterradio.com/