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

WASHINGTON – Continuing efforts to heed 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 $27,792,296 National Emergency Grant to assist New York with cleanup and recovery efforts. These federal emergency relief funds are being made available to impacted counties to supplement state and local response and recovery efforts.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of New York residents affected by the storm," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This Labor Department funding is one part of the federal government's collaborative efforts to offer immediate emergency assistance as the long process of cleanup and rebuilding begins."

The funds are being awarded to the New York State Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure. Of the $27,792,296 announced today, $13,896,148 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 Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and Suffolk counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in New York is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4085/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/.