ETA News Release: [Wednesday, January 19, 2005]
Contact Name: Mike Volpe/ Public Affairs
Phone Number:202-693-3984/ 202-693-4676
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Nearly $1.2 Million to Aid Dislocated Workers in Massachusetts
Funding Will Provide Services to Dislocated Fishermen and Their Families
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $1,187,500 with an initial release of $395,833 to assist approximately 125 dislocated Massachusetts workers and family members impacted by federally imposed restrictions on the commercial fishing industry.
"This grant will hopefully help these fishermen shift to new industries that have high growth potential," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
The grant, awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, will help ease the impact of federally imposed restrictions on the commercial fishing industry in Massachusetts in compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA), also identified as the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
To comply with the SFA, the New England Fishery Management Council adopted new fishing management plans and amendments. The amendments further restrict most ground fishing to approximately 55 fishing "Days at Sea" per year, limiting the areas that can be fished and the number of species of fish that can be harvested.
The NEG project will concentrate on transitioning impacted workers into high demand occupations in the area such as those within the health care, marine transportation, trades and technology industries. Training will also be coordinated with local employers to prepare individuals in areas currently experiencing worker shortages.
Services provided through the grant will include assessment, individual counseling, career planning, employment development, highly specialized occupational skills training and job readiness preparation. Supportive services may include needs-related payments, child care, and transportation assistance.
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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