US Department of Labor announces $2.5 million grant to assist workers in Texas affected by layoffs in multiple industries

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,545,084 grant to assist about 200 workers affected by layoffs across multiple industries in eastern Texas.

"This grant will help these Texans receive the re-employment and re-training services that are crucial to successfully finding new jobs in emerging industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, this grant will be operated by Workforce Solutions East Texas. The grant will provide affected workers with access to services that may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

This award will allow Workforce Solutions East Texas to focus on long-term workforce development strategies and provide training to dislocated workers in occupational areas of projected growth.

In mid-2009, 10 companies announced layoffs that affected 1,390 workers in the manufacturing, agricultural manufacturing and communication industries. Workers at the companies to be served by this grant were notified of pending layoffs between August and December of 2009. The layoffs from these companies took place between August 2009 and April 2010, resulting in the dislocation of 891 workers across eastern Texas.

Of the $2,545,084 announced today, $1,181,031 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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/.