US Department of Labor awards grant increment to continue aid to workers in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania affected by steel industry layoffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $450,777 National Emergency Grant increment to provide re-employment services for about 184 workers affected by layoffs at six RG Steel facilities – four in Ohio and two in West Virginia – along with one supplier, Kinder-Morgan, located in Pennsylvania.

"Ohio's steel industry continues to be in a state of transition," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "This federal grant will provide continued re-employment and retraining services so that impacted workers can more effectively compete for new jobs in growing local industries."

In October 2010, a National Emergency Grant was awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for up to $984,248, with $492,124 released initially. At the time of the award, the facilities were owned by the steel manufacturer Severstal; they were later purchased by RG Steel. An increment of $41,347 was awarded in June 2012, and today's increment completes the total amount of funding awarded.

The funding will provide training and support services to eligible workers currently being served by this grant, along with additional workers affected by layoffs resulting from RG Steel's Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Many of the workers receiving services under this grant also are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance. The grant funds will provide those workers with continued access to supportive services not available through the TAA program, and those workers who are not TAA-eligible will be given access to an array of training and employment-related services.

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/.