Auto Czar: $50M to Retrain Workers

(WTOL) - The federal government is making $50 million in federal funds available for green energy job training. It will be used specifically for communities hurt by layoffs in the auto industry.

Ed Montgomery, dubbed President Obama's auto czar by the media, made that announcement Thursday morning, May 21 in Dayton. His official title is Director for Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.

Montgomery visits the Glass City Thursday afternoon.

To qualify for the money, a community must have a major vehicle manufacturer or supplier and must have experienced significant layoffs.

The program funds also will provide counseling and placement services to laid-off autoworkers.

The $50 million is part of $500 million provided to the U.S. Department of Labor through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.