U.S. Department of Labor announces a grant of more than $2.4 million to assist workers in Missouri affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,409,877 grant to assist approximately 815 workers affected by mass layoffs and plant closures at 11 companies across three regions in southern Missouri. These include the Ozark region, the southeast region and the south central region.

Workers affected include those employed in industries such as distribution, manufacturing and telecommunications. Companies include: Cargill Value Added Meats, EDCO Group Inc. (doing business as Healthport), McQueary Brothers Drug Co., Noranda Aluminum Inc., Nordyne, Paul Mueller Co., Petit Jean Poultry Inc., Rapco/Major Custom Cable Inc., Thorngate Ltd., Tracker Marine and Westgate Resorts.

"An occupationally diverse group of workers in these regions experienced dislocations during 2008 and into 2009," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will provide access to the employment-related services necessary to transition into occupations in the high growth industries identified through Missouri's Hot Jobs initiative."

Today's grant will be awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, which will provide affected workers with a full array of employment-related services. Services will include skills assessment, training and job search assistance. Under this grant, workers also eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) will be provided with access to these "wrap-around" services not covered under the TAA program.

Of the $2,409,877 announced today, $1,874,130 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. The initial release for this grant will be funded by resources made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For more information about National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG/.