US Department of Labor provides more than $24.8 million to assist tsunami recovery efforts in American Samoa

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $24,857,608 National Emergency Grant award to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of a tsunami that struck American Samoa on Sept. 29.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and survivors of the recent tsunami in American Samoa," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will support ongoing recovery efforts and help American Samoans put their lives back together."

These funds will be awarded to the American Samoa Department of Human Resources. Funds will be used to create more temporary jobs to assist in the recovery efforts as a result of the devastation caused by the tsunami.

On Sept. 29, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared all islands in the United States territory of American Samoa eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program.

Of the $24,857,608 announced today, $8,285,870 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the territory demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.