A $27 million dollar federal grant for New York State is expected to provide more than 5,000 unemployed New Yorkers with jobs helping with post-Sandy cleanup, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday.
The funds, which are provided by a National Emergency Grant and administrated by the State Department of Labor, will go to the areas hardest hit by the superstorm.
According to the governor, the work will include cleaning and repairing damaged property and public structures, and those hired will earn approximately $15 per hour to work short and long-term projects. Workers will also receive help finding their next job.
“This funding will not only provide young people and the unemployed with the opportunity to participate in cleaning up and rebuilding communities devastated by the storm, but it will provide valuable work experience and on-the-job training that can be useful in future careers,” said Cuomo.
On November 25, Cuomo also announced that the state, together with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are going to launch a program to replace FEMA workers, many of which are from outside the state, with up to 700 New Yorkers. These jobs will be full-time and temporary positions.
If you are interested in applying for a job under the National Emergency Grant, contact the Department of Labor at 1-888-4-NYSDOL (1-888-469-7365) or by visiting www.labor.ny.gov/sandyjobs. You can also visit your local Disaster Recovery Center or One-Stop Career Center. You must be unemployed to be eligible.
If you are interested in applying for a job with FEMA, visit Governor Cuomo’s Jobs Express website at www.labor.ny.gov/jobs/regional.shtm.
