$5.6M to aid W.Va. workers formerly employed
in the coal mining industry announced by US Labor Department

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,639,376 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to continue providing services to workers affected by layoffs and mine closures occurring within the coal mining industry in West Virginia.

"This supplemental funding will continue to serve workers in the coal mining industry who have been impacted by a job loss, giving them access to critical training and job search services," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.

These supplemental funds, awarded to WorkForce West Virginia, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to the 200 workers included in the initial award, as well as provide services to approximately 500 additional workers.

The initial award of $1,800,000 was approved on June 29, 2012, to serve about 200 workers affected by layoffs in the coal mining industry throughout the state of West Virginia. Today's supplemental award of $5,639,376 brings the total funds awarded for this project to date to $7,439,376.

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.