US Department of Labor provides grant to assist recovery efforts in Vermont following Tropical Storm Irene

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1.68 million National Emergency Grant to assist Vermont with cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene.

"Severe flooding and winds from Tropical Storm Irene damaged public buildings, shelters, bridges, roads, trails and fields throughout Vermont and claimed five lives, said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This federal grant will create temporary jobs for eligible workers to contribute to cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation, reconstruction and safety efforts to help the people of Vermont begin to recover."

Funds are being awarded to the Vermont Department of Labor. Of the $1.68 million announced today, $560,000 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

On Sept. 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in Vermont is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=15552.

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/.