Canyon & Kootenai Counties To Receive Workforce Investment Grants

Washington, DC â?? Workers in two Idaho counties will receive assistance with job training and placement as a result of two U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act grants announced today, said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. The Idaho Department of Labor will receive $205,330 for employment-related assistance in Canyon County, and $320,500 for similar efforts in Kootenai County. The grants are targeted at workers dislocated as a result of the closure of the Nampa J.R. Simplot plant, as well as those workers dislocated from Stinson Lumber and Center Partners in Coeur dâ??Alene. "These very important grants are good news for Idaho workers,â?? Crapo said. â??The funds will assist individuals with job search and placement support, as well as on-the-job, entrepreneurial, and customized skills training. In addition, the Idaho Department of Labor will use the funds to continue their outreach, intake, orientation, diagnostic testing, and follow-up services. Although the economy is improving, there are many who still struggle to find work. These grants will help workers find what they truly want and deserveâ??challenging and rewarding work.â?? The grants are the first funds released from a potential $2.7 million that the U.S. Department of Labor has authorized for employment assistance in Canyon and Kootenai County. The Department of Labor provides funds to the State, which will administer project operations. Approximately 350 individuals are expected to benefit from this round of grants. ###