The U.S. Department of Labor is releasing a $5 million National Emergency Grant increment to support temporary jobs following the continued cleanup and recovery efforts in New York because of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. 

“While the communities of eastern New York have steadily worked to recover from and cleanup the widespread flooding and wind damage from these 2011 storms, the job is not yet done,” says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The additional funds announced today reflect the federal government’s continued commitment to supporting these communities.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 28 New York counties impacted by Hurricane Irene eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program Aug. 31, 2011, which includes Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington and Westchester. Following the declaration, it was modified to nclude Franklin, Hamilton and Herkimer.

Another FEMA declaration was issued Sept. 13, 2011, for 14 New York counties impacted by the Tropical Storm Lee: Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Schenectady, Schoharie, Tioga, Tompkins and Ulster.

Initially, a National Emergency Grant was awarded by the DOL to the New York State Department of Labor Sept. 16, 2011, for up to $16,186,108 with $5,395,369 first being released. The most recent increment brings the total amount awarded to date to $10,395,369. As New York demonstrates a continued need, additional funding up to the amount approved will available.

National Emergency Grants are included in the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are distributed based on a state’s ability to meet certain guidelines.