ETA News Release: [June 30, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-3984
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $414,214
National Emergency Grant To Assist Simplot Workers in Hermiston, Ore.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $414,214 to assist workers dislocated from Simplot Potato Processing Plant in Hermiston, Oregon.
"The unemployment rate in Oregon has dropped from 8.6 to 6.8 percent over the last year, according the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This is good news, but the President and I want to be sure that no worker is left behind. This $414,214 grant will provide re-employment assistance, training and skills upgrading to these workers as they prepare for new career opportunities."
Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, the grant will help approximately 59 workers in Umatilla County affected by the permanent closure of the Simplot plant.
The grant will provide an array of services including assessment, individual counseling, career planning, employment development, occupational skills training, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), GED preparation, basic computer literacy and job placement.
In addition, the project will provide supportive services, including childcare, transportation assistance, job-related certifications, uniforms and equipment.
National Emergency Grants are part of the U.S. Secretary of Labor's discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.
For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.
###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
