US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $394,000 to assist workers affected by boat manufacturer layoffs in Maine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $394,617 grant to assist about 60 workers affected by layoffs at The Hinckley Co., a leading producer of pleasure boats and yachts, in Trenton, Maine.

"This grant will provide the retraining and job search assistance necessary for these Mainers to enter new careers in promising regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, this grant will be operated by the Eastern Maine Development Corp. The grant will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services including individualized career assessments and planning services, recruitment, case management, job skills training, basic computer skills training and job placement.

Layoffs at The Hinckley Co. took place between October 2008 and June 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.