ETA News Release: [April 8, 2005]
Contact Name: Michael Volpe David James
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 202-693-4676
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $675,000 Grant to Aid 135 Dislocated Coal Mine Workers in West Virginia
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $675,000, with an initial release of $225,000, to assist approximately 135 coal mine workers affected by closures at Horizon Resources Inc. and subsidiaries in two West Virginia counties.
"West Virginians affected by these closures will benefit from the extensive services this grant will provide as they transition into careers in high growth industries," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Services available through the grant will include a wide range of training options and supportive services to help workers through this challenging time."
Workers affected by these closures reside in the West Virginia counties of Fayette and Kanawha. The grant, awarded to the West Virginia Development Office, will provide an array of services including on-the-job and entrepreneurial training.
Extensive supportive services also may be provided, including child care, transportation, out-of-area job search and relocation assistance, and employment and family counseling. Income support may also be available to affected workers and may include needs-related payments.
National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.
For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.
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