Atlantic City casino workers to get nearly $30M in US Labor Department employment assistance

WASHINGTON — The residents of Atlantic City, N.J., and the surrounding area struggled in 2014 as several major casinos and dozens of businesses closed. The losses including as many as 4,000 jobs at the Revel Casino Hotel, the Trump Plaza, the Showboat Hotel and Casino and 40 other businesses.

The U.S. Department of Labor is stepping in today to assist those workers affected with a National Emergency Grant totaling $29,385,743. An initial funding amount of $13,154,140 will be released today, with additional funding available, up to the approved amount, as the state demonstrates continued need.

"The Atlantic City economy was dealt a staggering blow with the closure of these casinos," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "For the thousands of workers who lost their jobs as a result, we are committed to providing the resources, support and training they need to get back on their feet."

Awarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the grant will be operated by the Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board and the Cumberland Salem Workforce Investment Board, which will provide the reemployment services to the affected workers.

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.