BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio -- For those who lost their jobs in Belmont County due to downsizing or at Severstal Wheeling, federal stimulus funds are available. Officials at Belmont County's Department of Job and Family Services made the announcement at the County Commission meeting today.

They say that dislocated workers are eligible for $5,000 per year for two years in order to get training for a new career.

Among the schools offering training are Belmont Tech, West Virginia Northern Community College, and Jefferson Community College, as well as many truck-driving schools. Officials say that the dislocated workers can receive funding for tuition, books, fees, and more.

"And with this influx of stimulus funds from the Workforce Investment Act, we have dollars available for both adults and dislocated workers who can come in and be determined eligible and receive help for improving their skills or entering a new career field," said Jack Cerra of Workforce Development.

The program pays for short-term training programs in fields like CDL, heavy equipment operator, certified nurse's aide, and more. The funding is available to two groups of people -- eligible adults and dislocated workers.

To learn more and to see if you are eligible, call Belmont County Connections at (740) 633-5627 or visit them at 302 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, Ohio.