US Department of Labor provides grant to assist Vermont with recovery efforts following springs severe storms and flooding

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,201,250 National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers who will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms and flooding in Vermont that began on April 23.

"Today's grant will assist the region and its residents as they clean up and repair the infrastructure that was impacted by this spring's severe weather," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased the Labor Department can help support these communities in their recovery efforts."

In June, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following Vermont counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Addison, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington. The funds are being awarded to the Vermont Department of Labor and will be used to assist all eight counties. Additional counties may receive assistance at a later date if further evaluation warrants their inclusion. More information on designated disaster areas in Vermont is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14734.

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/.