US Department of Labor announces nearly $3 million to continue serving workers affected by layoffs in south central Kansas

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,994,763 National Emergency Grant increment to continue providing services to 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.

"It is important that these workers have ongoing support as they seek out new jobs in promising regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Helping workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own is good for the economy and simply the right thing to do."

This second National Emergency Grant increment, awarded to the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, will enable the state to deliver re-employment assistance to about 1,136 participants, some of whom are also eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits. For those who are TAA-eligible, this grant provides access to supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, which are not available through the TAA program. Those workers who are not TAA-eligible will have access to a full array of training and employment services through this grant.

On Feb. 19, a grant was awarded in the amount of $7,543,200, with $2,159,512 released initially, to serve workers affected by layoffs in the Wichita, Kan., metropolitan area. This latest increment will bring the total grant funds awarded for this project to $5,154,275. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are awarded at the discretion of the secretary of labor based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.