U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $2 million to assist workers affected by printing industry layoffs in Maine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,066,981 grant to assist approximately 300 workers affected by 2009 layoffs from RR Donnelley in Wells, Maine.

"The loss of a job is never easy, and these workers deserve our support as they seek re-employment," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help individuals by providing the skills, retraining and job search assistance they need to obtain new jobs in high-growth and high-demand industries in the area."

Awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, this grant will be operated by Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. The grant will provide affected workers with access to the full array of dislocated worker services. These services may include skills assessment, individual career counseling and occupational skills training. Maine Department of Labor data indicate possible future job openings in the advanced manufacturing, health care, retail and tourism industries.

Of the $2,066,981 announced today, $851,120 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.