The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $5.2 million grant for out-of-work coal miners in eastern Kentucky.
The grant will fund re-employment services for miners who have been laid off. A statement from the Labor Department Monday says the funding will also help spouses of coal miners in the region who are looking to re-enter the workforce.
This grant was awarded to the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program. The program will train out-of-work miners and spouses to work in other industries in the region including business services, construction and health care.
Eastern Kentucky's coal industry has slumped in recent years due to competition and increased enforcement of environmental regulations. The US Energy Information Administration says production at underground mines in eastern Kentucky dipped 3 percent between 2010 and 2011.
