US Department of Labor provides $1 million to continue severe storm recovery efforts in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $1 million National Emergency Grant increment to continue clean-up and recovery efforts in the wake of the severe storms and flooding that struck Puerto Rico in May 2010.

"The floodwaters may have receded, but Puerto Rico is still cleaning up," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These funds will provide additional assistance to help clean up and repair the affected communities by creating temporary jobs."

These funds represent the second increment of a $4 million grant awarded to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.

On June 24, 2010, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 10 municipalities in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Arecibo, Barranquitas, Coamo, Corozal, Dorado, Naranjito, Orocovis, Utuado, Vega Alta and Vega Baja.

On July 22, 2010, a National Emergency Grant was approved for up to $4 million, with the first $1 million released immediately, to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts. Additional funding up to the full amount approved will be made available as the commonwealth 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/.

• Read this news release en Espa ol.