West Virginia awarded additional funding by US Labor Department to assist with continuing recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $242,000 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of heavy snowfall associated with Hurricane Sandy that affected north-central West Virginia between Oct. 29 and Nov. 8, 2012. The funds are being awarded to WorkForce West Virginia and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

"West Virginia has made substantial progress in the recovery efforts; however, the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy continues to linger," said Eric M. Seleznow, acting assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. "This funding will help with the continuing cleanup of several state parks, while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment."

On Nov. 27, 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 18 West Virginia counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program, following damaged caused by heavy snowfall associated with Hurricane Sandy. This grant serves 5 of those 18 counties: Barbour, Preston, Tucker, Upshur and Webster. More information on designated disaster areas in West Virginia is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4093.

The original National Emergency Grant was approved on Dec. 21, 2012, for $300,000, following the FEMA declaration. This supplemental funding brings the total funds awarded for this project to $542,000.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG/.

Editor's Note: Seleznow's radio actuality on National Emergency Grants is available for public use.