The funds will be distributed through the Northwest Arkansas Development District to Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Washington Counties. The U.S. Department of Labor, which awards the grants through the National Emergency Grant (NEG) program, will use the funding to provide reemployment transition services for approximately 228 of an estimated 629 workers laid-off from White Rodgers, Baxter Health Care and West Telemarketing Outbound.

Employment-related assistance will include training and supportive services such as transportation, childcare and needs-related payments for those determined to be in need. Out-of-area job search assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis.