Bluegrass Area Development District Receives $2 Million Grant to Support Dislocated Workers in Central Kentucky

The Bluegrass Area Development District’s (BGADD) Department of Workforce Services has been awarded a $2 million National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) to provide critical workforce services to individuals impacted by the closure of the Yokohama facility in Woodford County and the upcoming closure of the Bluegrass Army Depot in Madison County.

This federal investment will support hundreds of workers in Central Kentucky, helping to stabilize affected communities and retain skilled talent across the region. Services will be delivered through the Kentucky Career Center–Bluegrass/American Job Center (KCC-B/AJC), which will serve as the central hub for assistance and support.

NDWGs fund a wide range of individualized career and work-based learning services authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including:

• Job search and placement assistance

• Career counseling and planning

• Skills assessments and career exploration

• Training and upskilling programs

• Work-based learning such as on-the-job training, paid internships, and apprenticeships

• Supportive services to overcome employment barriers, such as transportation and childcare

David Duttlinger, Executive Director of BGADD, stated: “"Receiving this $2 million National Dislocated Worker Grant is a vital step forward in living out our mission to strengthen communities in the Bluegrass region. As two major employers close their doors, this funding allows us to respond swiftly—connecting dislocated workers with training, new career pathways, and the resources they need to succeed. The Bluegrass Area Development District is pleased to work with the Workforce Investment Board to secure these funds, and we anticipate this will significantly bolster the resilience of our local workforce."

Tiffanie Reeves, Director of Workforce Services at BGADD, added: “This funding is an incredible opportunity to reinvest in our regional workforce. The Kentucky Career Center–Bluegrass/American Job Center and its dedicated staff will be at the heart of delivering these services—helping dislocated workers retain their talent, gain new skills, and access the full range of WIOA resources available to them. Our team is ready to provide the personalized support, training, and career connections that will help individuals not only recover—but thrive.”

For more information about services available to affected workers, visit your nearest Kentucky Career Center–Bluegrass/American Job Center or go to ckycareers.com.