New Jersey has landed a $29.4 million federal grant to
help displaced Atlantic City casino workers impacted by recent closings,
officials announced Tuesday.
The award from the National Emergency Grant through the
U.S. Department of Labor will be used for training programs to help affected
workers learn skills for jobs in new fields.
Atlantic City lost four of its 12 casinos last year,
throwing more than 8,000 employees out of work, roughly a fifth of the casino
workforce. The gaming industry has struggled to stay afloat amid competition from
too many nearby casinos.
"The Atlantic City economy was dealt a staggering
blow with the closure of these casinos," U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E.
Perez said in a statement. "For the thousands of workers who lost their
jobs as a result, we are committed to providing the resources, support and
training they need to get back on their feet."
The grant was announced by members of New Jersey's
congressional delegation, including Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Bob
Menendez and Rep. Frank LoBiondo, a Republican.
In December, the delegation appealed to Perez to support
a proposal filed by the state seeking assistance for employees affected by the
shut down of the Revel, Showboat, and Trump Plaza casinos.
"This is another important step towards Atlantic
City's comeback," said Sen. Booker. "This National Emergency Grant is
focused on the workers and will be utilized to increase occupational skills and
to get those impacted by the casino closing back to work. This has been a
unified effort, working with my colleagues in Congress to secure and expedite
assistance to the thousands of New Jersey families in need and to get Atlantic
City on strong footing again."
National Emergency Grants are disbursed from the
Secretary of Labor's discretionary fund and require states to meet specific
guidelines. In 2013, New Jersey received a $15.5 million grant following
Hurricane Sandy to assist workers.
Source: Philly.com
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