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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $7,795,700 National Emergency Grant to assist New Jersey with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

"Torrential rain from Hurricane Irene caused flooding across New Jersey, forcing highway closures and thousands to evacuate their homes," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This federal grant will fund 500 temporary jobs for eligible workers to assist with cleanup, demolition and repair activities on the tremendous damage to public infrastructure, which might include roads, bridges, utilities, schools and recreational areas."

These funds are being awarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Of the $7,795,700 announced today, $2,598,567 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 all of New Jersey's counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information is available at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=15536.

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.