WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a $857,668 grant, with an initial release of $388,416, to assist approximately 150 Iowa workers dislocated as a result of the closure of the Newell Rubbermaid Home Products Inc. plant in Centerville, Iowa.

“Dislocated workers can benefit greatly from career counseling, skills training and other employment services as they seek to transition into new jobs in growing industries,” said Secretary Chao. “This $858,000 grant will provide Iowans affected by the Centerville plant closure access to these resources so that they can secure good jobs with a promising future.”

The grant, awarded to the Iowa Workforce Development, will provide affected workers with an array of re-employment services. Services may include career and occupational skills training, employment readiness and job placement.

On July 11, 2006, Newell Rubbermaid announced that as of Sept. 15, 2006, the Centerville plant would permanently close. The state conducted rapid response sessions with the affected workers immediately following the announcement to inform workers of the help available for their re-employment needs.

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 on National Emergency Grants and other Labor Department employment and training programs, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG/.