US Labor Department announces grant to assist workers impacted by layoffs at 77 eastern Kentucky companies

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $808,316 National Emergency Grant to assist about 128 workers affected by multiple small dislocations at 77 companies throughout eastern Kentucky. The companies from which workers have been laid off represent a variety of industries, including construction, mining, auto parts, computer/IT services, trucking, manufacturing, tax services, education, health, law, banking, retail and pharmacy, among others.

"Today's grant will help the citizens of Kentucky get back on their feet and back to work," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Whenever I meet with workers, they tell me they're not looking for a hand out. They want a hand up. That's what this grant is about – providing them with the training and re-employment services crucial for finding new jobs in growing industries."

Awarded to the commonwealth of Kentucky, this community impact grant will be operated by the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet to provide the affected workers with a full range of re-employment and training services. Community impact grant projects are designed to assist workers in a primarily rural workforce investment area where multiple small dislocations over a six-month period have a significant impact on the local unemployment rate.

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/.