U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $1 million to assist workers in Iowa affected by manufacturing industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,096,423 grant to assist approximately 178 workers affected by layoffs at Alcoa North American Rolled Products in Bettendorf, Iowa, and John Deere Davenport Works in Davenport, Iowa.

"Iowa workers affected by these layoffs need and deserve support," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The grant announced today will provide retraining, job search assistance and other services to help them prepare for career track positions in promising regional industries."

Awarded to Iowa Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by Iowa@Work, a division of Eastern Iowa Community College. The grant will allow affected workers to access services including skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

An analysis completed by Iowa Workforce Development indicates possible future job openings in advanced manufacturing, health care, logistics, business administration and green energy industries.

Layoffs at Alcoa North American Rolled Products took place between January and June 2009, while layoffs at John Deere Davenport Works began in February 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/.