Grant Awarded To Hire Dislocated Workers For Sandy Recovery

HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced November 16 that the US Department of Labor has awarded the State of Connecticut a $1.8 million grant to create about 120 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts resulting from the impact of Superstorm Sandy.

“In addition to hiring those who have been dislocated, this is funding that can be put to use immediately to help Connecticut rebuild in the wake of this devastating storm,” Gov Malloy said. “This is another example of why these types of emergency programs are needed, and I thank the Department of Labor and FEMA for their assistance in helping our state recover from Sandy.”

The funding comes through a National Emergency Grant and may be used to provide temporary employment on projects to assist with cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities, and lands within affected communities, as well as to deliver humanitarian aid and safety assistance, as needed.

“These temporary workers may be on the job for approximately 20 weeks,” explained Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Sharon Palmer. “Coordination of activities with FEMA and state and county emergency management operations will occur at the local level and will facilitate the supervision of workers at the various project sites.”

Recruitment will become available through the CTDOL, the coordinating agency for the grant.

On October 30, President Obama approved a major disaster declaration in Connecticut for Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London Counties in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.