Coal towns hit by layoffs to get job grants from US government

Communities in nine U.S. states that have been hard-hit by coal layoffs are being promised more than 3,000 jobs in several industries through a multimillion-dollar federal grant.

The investments are expected to create or retain more than 3,400 jobs in agriculture, health care, manufacturing, technology and other industries.

Other grants would fund programs to tackle prescription-drug abuse and bring broadband to rural communities — both prevailing issues in Appalachia.

Officials said matching grants from other public and private partners are expected to bring an additional $67 million.

“We believe that these investments will serve as a catalytic moment to transform these communities,” said Jay Williams, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development.

The Appalachian Regional Commission alone received $45 million of that to distribute to communities to help them diversify their economies, create jobs and retrain workers.