US Department of Labor announces $7.5 million grant to assist workers in Kansas affected by layoffs in multiple industries

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $7,543,200 grant to assist about 1,120 workers affected by layoffs from multiple companies in the aviation, construction, health care, manufacturing and retail industries in south central Kansas. The majority of the layoffs were from four companies in the area's aviation manufacturing industry: Boeing, Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft Corp.

"Aviation manufacturing and other industries in Kansas have been significantly impacted by the recent economic downturn. These Kansans deserve our support as they take part in the nation's ongoing economic recovery," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will help workers obtain the re-employment and training services they need to secure good jobs in new and emerging industries."

Today's grant was awarded to the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas. If pending Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petitions for a number of these workers also are approved, today's grant will provide these dislocated workers with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, that are not available through the TAA program. If the TAA petitions are denied, the workers still will have access to the full array of training and employment-related services under this grant.

Of the $7,543,200 announced today, $2,159,512 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the grantee 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/.