WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $4,433,754 grant, with an initial release of $1,477,077, to provide employment-related assistance to approximately 1,200 workers who lost their jobs as a result of the closing of the Sara Lee Industries facility located in West Point, Miss.

"This $4.4 million grant will provide these dislocated Mississippi workers with skills training and other reemployment services to help them find new jobs in growing industries," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

In January 2007, Sara Lee Industries announced that the West Point facility would be shut down permanently as of March 30. On February 20, Rapid Response activities were conducted to inform affected workers about assistance available through the public workforce investment system.

The grant, awarded to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, will provide assessments and career and occupational skills training. Emphasis will be placed on determining the skill levels of workers to help identify existing jobs and area industries that are projected to grow in the future.

National Emergency Grants are awarded under the secretary of labor's discretionary fund based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG. Information about other employment and training programs is available at www.doleta.gov.