US Department of Labor announces grant increment exceeding $945,000 to continue to aid Oregonians impacted by semiconductor industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $945,820 National Emergency Grant increment to Oregon to continue to provide services to about 813 workers affected by layoffs at Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing America Inc. in Eugene, Ore.

"Today's grant will ensure continued job placement assistance and other re-employment services for these Oregonians, and allow them to better access opportunities in emerging local industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

This second and final increment, awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to the original 651 workers and to provide services to an additional 162 workers, serving 813 workers in total.

On Jan. 15, 2009, a grant was awarded in the amount of $1,891,738, with $945,918 released initially, to serve about 651 of the workers affected by the permanent closure and associated layoffs at Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing America.

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/.