The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced more than $3.7 million in National Dislocated Worker Grant funding to Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc. to assist coal miners and their families affected by recent industry layoffs.

The release of funds, announced on Sept. 20 and totaling $3,724,200, will ensure the region’s dislocated miners and their spouses continue to have an array of employment services available. This announcement will also enable current and new partnerships that focus on providing individuals with the best chance to obtain new employment.

The demand for retraining and employment services remains high in the region. Since July 1, following the bankruptcy of multiple coal mining companies in Eastern Kentucky, more than 500 dislocated miners or their spouses have enrolled for federal workforce services. Of that total, 495 were directly affected as a result of the recent Blackjewel mining company bankruptcy. 

To learn more about this exciting announcement, check out the full article published on the EKCEP website.