U.S. Department of Labor Awards Additional Dislocated Worker Grant Funding to West Virginia to Support Coal Industry Workers

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $2,429,090 in additional National Dislocated Worker Grant funding to Workforce West Virginia to continue providing employment and training services to workers affected by coal industry layoffs in the state. 

The department first awarded $1,800,000 for this grant in June 2012, to serve about 200 coal industry workers affected by statewide coal industry layoffs. The state subsequently received numerous increments totaling $15,358,460, serving over 2,400 individuals affected by layoffs at over 400 employers. West Virginia’s current request for funding will serve approximately 192 participants. 

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.