The U.S. Department of Labor today is awarding a $1.68 million National Emergency Grant to help Vermont's cleanup and recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Irene.

"Severe flooding and winds from Tropical Storm Irene damaged public buildings, shelters, bridges, roads, trails and fields throughout Vermont and claimed five lives," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This federal grant will create temporary jobs for eligible workers to contribute to cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation, reconstruction and safety efforts to help the people of Vermont begin to recover."

Of the $1.68 million grant, which will be given to the Vermont Department of Labor, $560,000 will first be released. After that, further funding up to the approved amount will be available as Vermont shows a need for more assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties were eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program on Sept 1.