US Department of Labor awards grant increment to continue Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in Rhode Island

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $500,000 National Emergency Grant increment to assist Rhode Island with continued cleanup and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

"Rhode Island is still cleaning up beaches and other public lands damaged by Hurricane Sandy," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow. "This additional funding will provide much needed cleanup assistance while also providing temporary work for those in need of employment."

On Nov. 3, 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency initially declared the Rhode Island counties of Bristol, Newport and Washington as eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. FEMA subsequently declared Kent County as eligible for the program. More information on designated disaster areas in Rhode Island is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4089/designated-areas.

The department approved a grant for up to $1.5 million on Nov. 6, 2012, with $500,000 released initially. The department awarded a $500,000 grant increment in May 2013. This latest funding increment brings the total awarded to $1.5 million.

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/.