“The Atlantic City economy was dealt a staggering blow with the closure of these casinos,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “For the thousands of workers who lost their jobs as a result, we are committed to providing the resources, support and training they need to get back on their feet.”

“This is another important step towards Atlantic City's comeback,” said Sen. Booker. “This National Emergency Grant is focused on the workers and will be utilized to increase occupational skills and to get those impacted by the casino closing back to work. This has been a unified effort, working with my colleagues in Congress to secure and expedite assistance to the thousands of New Jersey families in need and to get Atlantic City on strong footing again.”

“I am pleased that the Obama Administration recognized the growing need for assistance in Atlantic City and answered our call for help,” said Sen. Menendez. “The National Emergency Grant is an important step toward putting hard working people back to work and moving Atlantic City forward. It will provide vital resources for skills training, job placement and increased employment opportunity to the thousands who recently lost their jobs. I want to thank my Congressional colleagues who are unified, in a bipartisan effort, to help our residents impacted by the casino closings.”

“Today’s news is certainly welcome for Atlantic city casino workers and the greater Atlantic County region. A key consideration of any business looking to open its doors or expand operations is a readily available workforce. As we work in partnership to bring new economic opportunities to the region, this federal funding will ensure residents will be properly trained and prepared to step into those jobs,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo. “I appreciate the hard work and joint efforts of Senators Booker and Menendez, my colleagues in the delegation, Atlantic County Executive Denny Levinson and Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian throughout this challenging time for South Jersey.”

In December, New Jersey’s bipartisan congressional delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez advocating for the 6,500 hardworking New Jerseyans affected by the closures of the Revel, Showboat, and Trump Plaza casinos in Atlantic City. Reps. Donald Norcross D-NJ1, Frank Pallone D-NJ6, Rush Holt D-NJ12, Donald Payne Jr. D-NJ10, Albio Sires D-NJ8, Bill Pascrell D-NJ9, Chris Smith R-NJ4, and Jon Runyan R-NJ3 also joined in the letter urging Secretary Perez to support the Atlantic City Re-Employment Initiative.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. Past NEG grants given to New Jersey include a $15.5 million grant in 2013 following Hurricane Sandy and a $2.5 million grant in 2010 to allow the DOL to continue employment-related services for about 960 workers affected by layoffs from pharmaceutical companies in northern New Jersey.