WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of $1,322,944, with an initial release of $536,069, to assist workers affected by the closures of three Missouri plants.  Assistance will be provided to workers affected by closures at Briggs & Stratton, located in Rolla; Affinia Brake Parts, located in Cuba; and AMF Billiards and Games Inc., located in Bland.

“This $1.3 million grant is to help Missouri workers affected by these closures access re-employment services that will help them transition into new careers in growing industries,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

In September 2006, Briggs & Stratton announced that it would close its plant in Rolla, dislocating approximately 678 workers.  In October 2006, Affinia Brake Parts announced it would close its plant in Cuba, dislocating approximately 213 workers.  In May 2007, AMF Billiards & Games announced it would close its plant in Bland, dislocating approximately 76 workers.

All of the impacted workers have been certified by the Labor Department as eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).  The grant announced today will provide services not covered under the TAA program, such as assessment and core and intensive services that lead to individual re-employment plans.

Rapid Response sessions were conducted at all three plant locations between August 2006 and May 2007 to inform affected workers of the services available to them.

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, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.