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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $10 million National Emergency Grant to assist Pennsylvania with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

"This grant will create more than 2,100 temporary jobs for displaced workers to assist with the cleanup and rebuilding made necessary by Hurricane Irene, which hit areas of Pennsylvania hard," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Flash flooding and fallen trees caused significant damage to public structures and lands. The commonwealth reached out for help from the federal government, and that is why National Emergency Grants funding exists. Workers who need jobs will be matched with jobs that need workers, to everyone's benefit."

The funds are being awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Of the $10 million announced today, $3,330,000 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the commonwealth demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

On Sept. 3, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Chester, Delaware, Luzerne, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in Pennsylvania is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=15592.

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/.