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ETA News Release: [01/05/2005]
Contact Name: Mike Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984
Release Number: 05-0016-DEN

ETA News Release: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Nearly $2.2 Million Grant to Assist Workers in South Dakota

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $2,170,000, with an initial release of $795,000 to assist dislocated workers in South Dakota. The grant, awarded to the South Dakota Department of Labor, will provide training to approximately 700 workers dislocated as a result of continued layoffs at the Gateway facilities in North Sioux City and Sioux Falls.

"By providing supportive services and training for success in high-growth occupations, this grant will help these South Dakotans transition into new careers," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The grant project will provide training to workers for opportunities in high growth occupations such as health care, educational services, and professional and technical services. Specific occupations that training will target include medical assistants, nursing, medical technicians, computer technicians, computer administrators and analysts.

The grant project will also provide help to participants through assessment, individual counseling, career planning, job development, relocation expenses and other supportive services.

Since May 2001, the Department of Labor has awarded South Dakota $3,103,438 in National Emergency Grant funds to assist over 1,000 workers dislocated from Gateway.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

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