U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $553,000 to assist workers affected by layoffs from textile manufacturing industry in Maine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $553,237 grant to assist about 100 workers in the state of Maine affected by layoffs at WestPoint Home in Biddeford.

"This grant will provide crucial retraining and re-employment services to help workers find new careers in the high-growth, high-demand sectors of Maine's economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Plant closings and work reductions are an unfortunate reality across industries. Today, we have an opportunity to help these workers as they seek to re-enter the job market."

Awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, this grant will be operated by Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. It will provide these dislocated workers, all of whom are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, which are not available through the TAA program.

Layoffs at WestPoint Home in Biddeford took place on Aug. 9, 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/.