US Department of Labor announces $4.4 million grant to continue assisting workers affected by layoffs in Ohio

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $4,442,207 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to assist approximately 1,630 workers affected by layoffs at businesses at the Wilmington Air Park in Wilmington, Ohio.

"Today's grant will provide additional re-training and re-employment services to Ohioans who are still being adversely affected by the air park's closure," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

These supplemental funds will be awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The grant will provide re-employment services to about 170 additional participants being added to the original project, and continue to serve about 1,460 individuals already enrolled.

The Wilmington Air Park was severely affected when DHL Express announced that it would eliminate its North American air and ground freight operations on Nov. 10, 2008. This announcement led to major layoffs at ABX Air Inc., ACS Business Process Solutions, ASTAR Air Cargo Inc., DHL Express and DHL North America.

On Nov. 20, 2008, the Labor Department awarded an initial grant in the amount of $3,877,672 to the state of Ohio to serve workers affected by layoffs at Wilmington Air Park. These were the first layoffs of the 4,000 to 5,000 workers expected to lose their jobs as a result of DHL Express eliminating its North American air and ground freight operations.

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/.