WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $263,367 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 80 workers affected by the closure of Whirlpool Corp., located in Newton, Iowa. On March 6, the Labor Department awarded the city of Newton a Regional Innovation Grant of $250,000 to conduct early planning to assist workers affected by this closure.

"Newton's leaders have been proactive in utilizing an innovative economic development approach to helping workers affected by the closure of Whirlpool," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Mason M. Bishop. "This funding will help Newton officials and the state implement these innovative approaches to ensure that affected individuals return to work soon and help the city of Newton recover."

Whirlpool workers affected by this closure were previously certified by the Labor Department for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), thereby making training available to eligible persons preparing for new jobs. The grant announced today will provide services not covered under TAA. Assessment, counseling, case management and other supportive services are available through the grant.

The Regional Innovation Grant previously awarded to the city of Newton is intended to assist state work force agencies and local work force investment boards, and their key partners, in the design and development of comprehensive and strategic regional plans that focus on talent development as a way to transform regional economies.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on these and other Department of Labor employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.