US Department of Labor announces more than $3.5 million to continue to aid Indiana workers impacted by recreational vehicle industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $3,531,000 National Emergency Grant increment to Indiana to provide services to about 1,040 workers affected by mass layoffs in the recreational vehicle industry across the state.

"Despite an economic recovery that is beginning to take hold, Indiana is suffering from the adverse effects of layoffs in its recreational vehicle industry," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant increment is a significant step toward ensuring that these Hoosiers continue to receive the training and re-employment services that will help them transition into new jobs in local industries."

This second increment, awarded to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to the workers being served under this grant.

"Just weeks ago, I visited Elkhart and saw how federal investments were saving and creating jobs, and enabling local leaders and entrepreneurs to invest in local infrastructure, attract business and rebuild the local economy – brick by brick," said Dr. Ed Montgomery, executive director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers. "The presence of a highly skilled and motivated workforce was central to these efforts. This National Emergency Grant is part of this administration's continuing effort to invest in Indiana's RV workers to help them get new jobs and build a new foundation for Indiana's working families."

On Sept. 10, 2008, a National Emergency Grant was approved for up to $10,395,000, with $3,531,000 released initially, to serve about 900 of the 2,284 workers affected by mass layoffs in the state's RV industry.

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/.