WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $81.5 million in funding to address the critical workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the seventh round of Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities program funding supports 13 projects across 11 states to stimulate employment and wage growth, as well as economic mobility, self-sufficiency, and increased labor force participation. The demonstration grants support the workforce needs of regional employers in predominantly rural areas to enable them to better compete economically and enable residents of the