The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $815,740 National Emergency Grant increment to continue re-employment services for about 800 workers affected by the closure of the John Morrell and Co. pork processing plant in April 2010.

The money will help former Morrell workers, and also workers laid off at four other companies because of the Morrell closing.

"This funding will provide additional help to Sioux City workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a news release about the grant. "At this critical juncture on our nation's path to economic recovery, it is essential that the federal government assists workers to obtain training in growing industries."

Awarded to Iowa Workforce Development, the grant will be operated by the Community Action Agency of Siouxland and Job Training Partners to continue providing services such as skills assessments, individual career counseling, and basic and occupational skills training.

A grant of $6,255,784 was awarded on June 30, 2010, with $3,703,681 released initially. Today's increment brings the total funds awarded to date to $4,519,421.

Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.