WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to assist with post-Superstorm Sandy cleanup and recovery efforts, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) will receive $500,000 in federal funds through the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Emergency Grant program to provide temporary employment on projects to assist with Hurricane Sandy cleanup. This is DLT’s second National Emergency Grant and to date, Rhode Island has received $1 million in these funds to create temporary jobs to support Sandy recovery efforts.

The initial National Emergency Grant funds supported temporary employment on projects to assist with cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities, and lands within the affected communities, as well as to deliver humanitarian aid and safety assistance, as needed.  In addition, the funds could be used to perform work on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals who are eligible for the federally-funded weatherization program, with priority given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.  This second installment will be used to create additional temporary jobs for eligible individuals to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts of Superstorm Sandy. 

“This federal funding will help put unemployed Rhode Islanders to work to ensure Rhode Island makes a full recovery from the effects of Superstorm Sandy,” said Reed. “I commend the state for working to secure this federal grant to continue cleanup efforts and support jobs in our state.”

On November 3, 2012 President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for Washington, Bristol, and Newport counties, providing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance in three of the state's five counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.  Three days later, with the urging of the Congressional delegation to expedite emergency aid funding, the administration made $1.5 million in National Emergency Grant funds available of which $1 million has been released leaving an additional $500,000 available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of U.S. 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.