WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Labor today released $478,989 to assist approximately 300 trade-affected workers in South Dakota. The funding, provided through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, will enable the state to continue providing training to workers certified as eligible to receive TAA benefits.

“South Dakota workers dislocated as a result of trade need access to training and other assistance as they prepare to transition into new careers,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor Emily Stover DeRocco of the Employment and Training Administration. “The nearly $479,000 released today will provide eligible workers with up to 104 weeks of training. Additionally, these workers can receive up to two years of income support and help with job search and relocation expenses.”

The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which pays 65 percent of the premium for qualified coverage, is an additional program benefit. Certain older workers who become re-employed quickly may receive a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 under the Alternative TAA program in lieu of training.

Congress allocates approximately $220 million annually for TAA training. Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration allocates 75 percent of available TAA funds, or $165 million, on Oct. 1. The remaining 25 percent of funds are reserved for states experiencing large, unexpected layoffs during the year. States may request additional money from the reserve account after they have spent at least 50 percent of the allocated TAA funds.

South Dakota received a fiscal year 2006 base allocation of $427,351 to train workers dislocated because of trade and to cover administration costs. The South Dakota Department of Labor’s Division of Workforce Training administers the TAA program and will receive the funds released today.

Additional information about the TAA program is on the Internet at www.doleta.gov/tradeact/.