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ETA News Release: [05/28/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grant Will Aid Dislocated Montana Workers

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces National Emergency Grant of Over $619,000 to Supplement Re-employment Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao signed a National Emergency Grant of over $619,000 that will aid 123 Montana workers dislocated from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary’s discretionary fund. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco joined Senator Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) to announce the grant in Billings, Mont. earlier today. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.

“The President and I are committed to helping displaced workers access the job and skills training they need to find new jobs that will enable them to provide for themselves and their families,” Chao said. “We hope these funds will be deployed as quickly as possible to help these Montana workers.”

The grant project delivers critical help to unemployed Montana citizens, underscoring one of the main goals of the President’s economic agenda. Operated by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the grant will supplement existing re-employment programs including: job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training and counseling.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao. “The President and I believe temporary assistance for displaced workers will help the economy grow quickly and create more desirable and secure jobs.”

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

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