US Department of Labor announces grant increment of more than $419,000 to aid Missouri workers impacted by multiple industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $419,150 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide services to about 475 workers affected by layoffs across multiple industries in the St. Louis region of Missouri.

"Today's grant will continue to help these Missourians with job placement assistance, skills training and other re-employment services to get started in new careers," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

On Dec. 24, 2008, a grant was awarded in the amount of $2,019,861, with $1,169,960 released initially, to serve workers affected by the permanent closures and mass layoffs at several companies across multiple industries located in or around St. Louis.

This second increment, awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to the grant's original recipients. It also will provide services to additional dislocated workers from MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.

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/.