December 26, 2012

Manchin, Gov. Tomblin and Members of Congressional Delegation Announce NEG for WorkForce West Virginia

$300,000 to help workers displaced after Hurricane Sandy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, U.S. Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall today announced the U.S. Department of Labor granted a $300,000 National Emergency Grant (NEG) to WorkForce West Virginia. The grant will create approximately 35 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist with the clean-up and recovery efforts as a result of the effects of Hurricane Sandy.


"I'm grateful for this federal support," Gov. Tomblin said. "This grant will assist us in rebuilding and restoring our hometowns while helping put West Virginians back to work."


The grant will be available for individuals who were displaced or lost their jobs as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The NEG targets Barbour, Preston, Tucker, Upshur, and Webster counties which were previously declared federal disaster areas. These funds will be used to provide for temporary employment on projects to assist with clean-up, demolition, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities, and lands within the affected communities, as well as for the delivery of humanitarian aid and safety assistance.


"This is great news during the holiday season," Sen. Jay Rockefeller said. "Hurricane Sandy was devastating to so many of our communities in West Virginia, tearing up roads, toppling trees and damaging homes. Now, with the Department of Labor stepping up to the plate and helping displaced workers be part of the cleanup, we can take another step forward in rebuilding - and put West Virginians to work at the same time."


"As we celebrate this holiday season, let us also celebrate the great news that more jobs will be created for many hard-working West Virginians," Sen. Manchin said. "So many communities are still working to rebuild their homes and businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and this is a great gift to give to West Virginia families across our state. Please know that we will continue to do everything we can to create jobs here at home in West Virginia and across America while doing everything we can to assist the American workers who are hurting."


"Welcome news, indeed.  Cleaning up by hauling out damaged structures is key in setting the stage for rebuilding.  Sandy's wrath demanded a federal response and this is a good down payment on a broader effort to fully recover," said Rep. Nick Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA.


For more information, contact WorkForce West Virginia at 1-800-252-5627.

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