US Department of Labor provides grant to aid New Jersey communities with recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON – Following President Obama's call for federal agencies to act as quickly as possible to support state and local partners in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $15,591,400 National Emergency Grant to assist New Jersey with cleanup and recovery efforts. The announcement builds on the major disaster declaration for the state approved by President Obama in the last several days, which makes federal assistance, like these emergency relief funds, available to supplement state and local response and recovery efforts.

"The destruction caused by this massive storm overwhelmed communities and disrupted lives throughout the state of New Jersey," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The Labor Department's funding is part of the federal government's collaborative efforts to ensure immediate emergency assistance."

The funds are being awarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment. Of the $15,591,400 announced today, $5,197,133 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 Oct. 30, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in New Jersey is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/affected-counties.

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/.