DOL Grants $1.3 million to Assist Workers Affected by Declining Automotive Industry in Minnesota
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Thursday, May 21, 2009 |
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The
U.S. Department of Labor announced a $1,320,100 grant to assist
approximately 307 workers across the state of Minnesota affected by
layoffs from 27 companies in the retail, service and manufacturing
sectors of the declining automotive industry.
"These Minnesota
workers have expressed interest in education and training, and career
development assistance including job placement services," said
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will aid them in
upgrading existing skills and preparing for new careers in growing
regional industries."
This grant will be awarded to the
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and will
provide affected workers with access to the full array of
employment-related services. Under this grant, approximately 50 workers
also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) will
have access to "wrap-around" services such as skills assessment,
counseling, case management, job search assistance, job placement
assistance and follow-up not available through TAA. Supportive services
such as dependent care, transportation assistance and relocation
assistance may also be provided.
Minnesota's automotive industry
began a significant downturn in April 2007 with the closure of Ford
Motor Co.'s assembly plant in St. Paul. Between October 2008 and
January 2009, workers from 27 automotive-related companies were
notified of pending dislocations.
Of the $1,320,100 announced,
$660,052 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the
amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a
continued need for assistance.
The amount released will be
funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
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, www.doleta.gov/NEG/.
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