US Department of Labor provides grant to assist recovery efforts in New York following Hurricane Irene

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $16,186,108 National Emergency Grant to assist New York with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

"Flooding from Irene caused infrastructure damage throughout New York," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The debris and mud left behind by swollen rivers, creeks and streams have created a considerable health hazard in many cities and towns. This federal grant will fund temporary jobs for eligible workers to assist in removal, cleanup and reconstruction efforts to help impacted communities begin to recover."

Funds are being awarded to the New York State Department of Labor. Of the $16,186,108 announced today, $5,395,369 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 Aug. 31, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington and Westchester. More information on designated disaster areas in New York is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15533.

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/.