U.S. Department of Labor announces $664,000 grant to assist workers affected by layoffs at RR Donnelley in Iowa

WASHINGTON – During a visit to the Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced a $664,074 Recovery Act grant to assist approximately 121 workers affected by layoffs at the RR Donnelley print plant in Spencer, Iowa.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or Recovery Act, is designed to help workers who – through no fault of their own – end up without a job or a paycheck. We want to assist them through these tough times and help them to find new jobs moving forward," Secretary Solis explained.

"The closure of RR Donnelley in Spencer was a major dislocation for this area, which until recently was accustomed to economic growth," Solis added. "Today's grant will provide affected workers with access to services and training activities that will assist them in transitioning to careers in high-demand industries in the area."

All affected workers will be provided with access to a full array of employment-related services that may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training. Re-employment services and training activities will focus on transitioning the workers into high-demand occupations in the advanced manufacturing, alternative energy, biotechnology and health care industries.

On Jan. 30, 2009, RR Donnelley issued a public notice announcing the permanent closure of the Spencer, Iowa, plant due to the overall economic downturn. Subsequent layoffs occurred throughout February and March 2009.

Today's grant will be awarded to the Iowa Workforce Development. It will be operated by the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, a regional governmental organization that provides community, economic development and job training services.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the Recovery Act. 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. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.