US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $2.2 million to assist Texas workers affected by construction, manufacturing industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,201,214 grant to assist about 500 workers affected by layoffs at multiple companies in the construction and manufacturing industries in central and southeastern Texas.

"Texas construction and manufacturing workers have contributed immensely to our nation, and they deserve our support," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will help ensure that the affected workers receive the employment and retraining services necessary for securing jobs in new and emerging local industries."

Awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, the grant will be operated by the Central Texas Workforce Board. It will provide dislocated workers from Alcoa Inc. and Zachry Holdings Inc., 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, that are not available through the TAA program. The grant also will provide dislocated workers from Becon Construction Co. Inc. and Texas Hydraulics Inc. who are not TAA-eligible with access to the full array of dislocated worker services available.

Layoffs at the companies covered by the grant took place between September 2008 and April 2009.

Of the $2,201,214 announced today, $1,021,902 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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/.