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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $12,845,000 National Emergency Grant to assist Puerto Rico with recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

"This storm cut a path of destruction across Puerto Rico, leaving more than a million people with no power, flooded streets and downed trees. This federal assistance will fund more than 1,500 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to help with cleanup and recovery in communities that were hard hit by the hurricane's winds and rain," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The funds are being awarded to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. Of the $12,845,000 announced today, $4,281,667 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 Aug. 27, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following Puerto Rico municipalities eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program: Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Caguas, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Fajardo, Guayama, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Maricao, Maunabo, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San Lorenzo, Santa Isabel, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa and Yauco. More information on designated disaster areas in Puerto Rico is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=15452.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state or territory's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.

• Read this news release en Espa ol.