DOL Provides $27.7 Million Emergency Grant for Sandy Cleanup, Recovery
The grant has been awarded to the New York State Department of Labor to assist with restoration of public lands and infrastructure, with $13,896,148 of it initially released.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced it is providing a $27,792,296 National Emergency Grant to assist New York with cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Sandy's damage. The money is available to affected counties to supplement state and local response and recovery efforts, according to the announcement.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of New York residents affected by the storm," said Secretary of Labor Hilda 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."
DOL said the funds have been awarded to the New York State Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure, and $13,896,148 of the granted amount will be released initially. "Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance," its announcement stated.
FEMA on Oct. 30 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 about them, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.