US Department of Labor announces $5.2 million grant to assist eastern Kentucky coal miners, spouses affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,192,500 National Emergency Grant to assist workers and their families impacted by layoffs at coal mining companies in eastern Kentucky. This funding will provide re-employment services not only for miners who are laid off but for their spouses who have been homemakers and are, due to the loss of wages, seeking to enter the workforce to support their families.

"When families lose their entire source of income, they often need more than one job to make ends meet," said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "This grant from the Labor Department will help prepare both displaced miners and their spouses for new employment in eastern Kentucky's growing industries."

This grant, awarded to the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program Inc., will provide eligible laid off miners and spouses with training and other services they need to compete for employment in other industries throughout the area, such as business services, construction and skill trades, energy creation and transmission, and health care.

Of the $5,192,500 announced today, $3,787,017 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as EKCEP demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on the ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.