US Department of Labor provides additional funds to continue storm cleanup, recovery efforts in Vermont

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $770,000 National Emergency Grant increment to continue clean-up and recovery efforts in Vermont following Tropical Storm Irene.

"Vermont continues the difficult, but necessary, work to recover from the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "Additional funding from the Labor Department will help Vermont with storm cleanup and also provide temporary work to those in need of employment."

On Sept. 1, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in Vermont is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4022/designated-areas.

The department approved a grant to Vermont on Sept. 15, 2011, for up to $1,680,000, releasing $560,000 initially. An additional increment of $350,000 was awarded in November 2012. Today's increment represents the balance 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/.