Washington, D.C.– Pima County is receiving a Department of Labor (DOL) National Emergency Grant today for up to $2.9 million to help place or retrain approximately 800 local workers displaced by the economic downturn. The county will receive $1.16 million initially, with the ability to apply for the rest if the initial amount is spent.

According to DOL information, National Emergency Grants are given to “temporarily expand [. . .] Workforce Investment Act Dislocated Worker training and employment programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events which cause significant job losses.” The State of Arizona applied for the grant on Pima County’s behalf because of the way the grants are structured, but the county itself administers the Dislocated Worker program and will receive the grant.

The county intends to use the money to offer “comprehensive reemployment services and training focused on occupations in high-growth sectors and economic sectors poised for recovery including aerospace, hybrid auto mechanics, information security, machining, and supply chain management,” according to DOL.

Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva hailed the announcement and thanked DOL for “responding appropriately to the large need for assistance in Southern Arizona. This is welcome news to working families who can now get help finding work or retraining for new positions. I thank the county for pursuing this funding and encourage anyone who may be eligible to take advantage of the new opportunities this program provides.”

For more information, contact Dorothee Harmon with Pima County at (520) 243-6760.