US Department of Labor provides grant to assist Connecticut with recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON – As part of its ongoing commitment to state and local partners affected by Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Department of Labor has approved a $1,830,620 National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in Connecticut.

"Hurricane Sandy left behind massive flooding that overwhelmed communities and affected lives along the coast of Connecticut," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant fulfills the federal government's ongoing commitment to provide expedited assistance so that states have additional resources to meet the needs of their citizens and communities."

The grant is being awarded to the Connecticut Department of Labor to create temporary jobs to assist with cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction activities. These federal emergency relief funds are being made available to impacted counties to supplement state and local response and recovery efforts.

Of the $1,830,620 announced today, $610,207 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 Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties as well as the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation to be eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in Connecticut is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4087.

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/