WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVQ) – The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $1.75 million grant to the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) to provide reemployment and training for out-of-work coal miners.

“EKCEP is extremely grateful for this award. These funds will support our region’s on-going efforts to move our economy forward by furthering our workforce retraining and re-employment initiatives,” said Jeff Whitehead, Executive Director of EKCEP.  “We are also very appreciative of the U.S. DOL’s partnership in these efforts and Senator Mitch McConnell’s strong belief in our workforce and his enduring commitment to these efforts.”