By CHAD ABSHIRE

Staff Writer

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is now accepting applications for Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF) grants to support and enhance workforce investment strategies at the state and local level.

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) announced the opportunity last week.

“This is an opportunity for our state and local workforce agencies to secure funds to identify and expand successful job training strategies, and to align different programs that support job creation and economic development,” Rahall said.

The DOL is making available approximately $98.5 million in WIF grants nationwide through their Employment and Training Administration (ETA).

ETA expects to fund approximately 20 to 30 grants, ranging from $1 million to $12 million.

Grants would be used to fund programs that support the innovative design and delivery of employment and training services through public workforce systems, a network of federal, state, and local offices that work in partnership with employers, educators, and community leaders to foster economic development and high-growth opportunities in regional economies.

Eligible applicants include State Workforce Agencies, Local Workforce Investment Boards, consortia of State and Local Workforce Agencies and Investment Boards, and entities eligible to apply for WIA Section 166 grants.

Details on this funding opportunity can be found on ETA’s Web site at http://www.doleta.gov or on http://www.grants.gov.

Closing date for applications is March 22, 2012.

“There are ample opportunities to put this funding to good use in southern West Virginia, and I encourage eligible applicants take advantage,” Rahall said.