US Department of Labor awards grant increment to continue assisting hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced an $8,563,333 National Emergency Grant increment to continue cleanup and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, which struck Puerto Rico in August 2011.

"Puerto Rico is still recovering from the damage and devastation of this massive storm," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The additional federal assistance announced today will enable the people of Puerto Rico to complete the hard work of cleanup and recovery."

On Aug. 27, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following 51 municipalities in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico 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.

Following FEMA's declaration, a National Emergency Grant was awarded on Sept. 28, 2011, for up to $12,845,000, with $4,281,667 released initially. Today's increment represents the remainder of the grant.

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/.

• Read this news release en Espa ol.