US Department of Labor provides $16.6 million to continue tsunami recovery efforts in American Samoa

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $16,571,738 National Emergency Grant increment to continue clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of the tsunami that struck American Samoa on Sept. 29, 2009.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and survivors of this tragedy. We recognize that there is still much work to be done as American Samoa recovers from the impact of the tsunami that struck last year," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The additional funding announced today will be used to provide temporary employment to Samoans who are engaged in this important recovery work."

This second and final increment 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, 2009, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared all islands in the United States territory of American Samoa eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program.

On Oct. 19, 2009, a grant in the amount of $24,857,608 was awarded to the state, with $8,285,870 released initially to create about 4,930 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts.

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.