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ETA News Release: [08/27/2003]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $1.5 Million Grant to Aid Dislocated Montana Workers

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $1.5 million to aid approximately 247 workers who were laid off from Touch America in Butte and Missoula, Mont. An initial amount of nearly $386,000 will be awarded immediately.

“The Administration and I are committed to getting Montana's displaced workers the skills training they need to find new jobs,” Chao said. “The $1.5 million in funds from the Department of Labor will be distributed as quickly as possible so these workers know that help is available.”

The grant, awarded to the Montana Department of Labor, will assist workers from Silver Bow, Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral and Deer Lodge Counties. Services include recruitment, outreach, assessment, job search assistance, out-of-area job search, basic skills training, customized skills training, classroom training and on-the-job training.

Among the occupations for which retraining will be provided are registered nurses, teachers, computer technicians, cooks, carpenters, electric power line maintenance repair workers, refrigeration technicians, hazardous materials technicians, legal secretaries and accountants.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary's discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.

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

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