U.S. Department of Labor announces grant of nearly $522,000 to assist workers affected by layoffs in Iowa

WASHINGTON – During a visit to Iowa today, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced a $521,910 grant to assist approximately 90 workers affected by layoffs at Featherlite Inc. located in Cresco, Iowa.

"This grant will help affected workers rejoin the labor force by providing them with top notch training and job-related services," said Secretary Solis. "Iowans are an important part of the nation's workforce, and they can count on the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure they have access to the employment resources they need and deserve."

Awarded to Iowa Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. The grant will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services. These services may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

Layoffs at Featherlite Inc. occurred on January 19, 2009.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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.