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ETA News Release: [12/15/2003]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984

U.S. Labor Secretary Announces Grants of Nearly $1.3 Million for Dislocated Iowa Workers

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced two National Emergency Grants totaling $1.3 million to assist laid-off Iowa workers. Both grants were awarded to Iowa Workforce Development.

“This Administration is committed to getting help as quickly as possible to workers who have been laid off,” said Chao. “This $1.3 million will provide re-employment assistance services, including assessment, counseling, job placement, skills training, entrepreneurial training, English classes, and supportive services such as child care and transportation.”

About 45 workers laid off from Norwood Promotional Products, Inc., of Washington, Iowa, will benefit from $532,000, of which $132,975 will be awarded immediately. The Kirkwood Community College and the Job Training Local Workforce Investment Board in Cedar Rapids will operate the project funded by the grant.

A second grant of $790,000, with an initial award of $251,191, will help about 124 workers dislocated from Eagle Food Centers facilities in Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport and Dubuque. The project will be run by the East Central Intergovernmental Association and Eastern Iowa Community College.

Occupations for which training will be provided include: computer technology, nursing, respiratory therapy, radiological technician, surgical technician, biotechnology technician, pharmacy technician, biomedical equipment repair, electronics, automotive repair, welding, electrical maintenance, advanced machinery and equipment manufacturing operator, truck driving, paralegal, office administration, process manufacturing, and customer service/sales representative.

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 additional information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

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